Penrith smacks cranky Tigers
TENSION flared at Panthers Stadium as Penrith extended its winning streak to 11 with a 30-6 victory against the Wests Tigers.
The Panthers now have their fingernails on the minor premiership after going five points clear at the top of the ladder, although the secondplaced Storm face Manly on Sunday afternoon.
It’s clear the Panthers and Tigers don’t like each other, and they were at it again in another fiery affair.
Tigers centre Joey Leilua is set for another stint on the sidelines after being cited for a shoulder charge on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards It’s not the first time the pair have clashed with Leilua copping a four-match ban earlier this season for a high-shot on the Penrith No.1.
The match review committee will also take a look at Moses Mbye’s potential foul play, where he was seen to kick out at Nathan Cleary.
It was far from Penrith’s best performance of the season, but coach Ivan Cleary will be more than happy to walk away with another two competition points.
Even when this young group of Panthers aren’t at their best, they find a way to win.
Five-eighth Jarome Luai was one of the best players on the field, scoring a classy try and having a hand in a couple more.
With matches against the bottom three teams – Brisbane, North Queensland and Canterbury – still to come, the Panthers are destined to finish on top of the ladder. The only two times they won the minor premiership, they went on to claim the title.
If you hadn’t already, it’s time to get the red pen out and put a line through the Tigers for 2020 after the 24-point loss.
Although it’s not mathematically over, not even Tigers optimists believe the side can break a nine-year finals drought. They have lost five of their past six games and are no longer in their familiar position of ninth, slipping behind the Warriors to 10th.
Not even the return of cult figure Harry Grant from a knee injury could spark the Tigers. Sharing the hooking duties with Jacob Liddle, Grant made 51 tackles.
Panthers lock Isaah Yeo is in major doubt for Thursday night’s clash against Brisbane after suffering a nasty head knock in the second half. But the Panthers will be boosted by the return of star backrower Viliame Kikau, who missed the clash against the Tigers due to suspension, while hooker Api Koroisau (calf) is also a chance to return.