The Penrith Panthers have swept into their sixth consecutive NRL preliminary final off the back of a first-half demolition of the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
While the four-time reigning premiers actually lost the second 40 minutes, 18-10, the game was gone at half time after a Nathan Cleary masterclass aided by a disastrous 42 missed Bulldogs tackles saw the Panthers hit the sheds up 36-8.
Unsurprisingly Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was a happy man after the 46-26 victory, delighted with the way his side took control after an early scare from a Vilame Kikau charge down.
“Yeah, it was pretty good, it’s a nice feeling—the second half was a bit of a rough ride at times, but the first half really set it up,” Cleary said.
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The Panthers boss was especially pleased with the way his side was able to connect right across the park, both in defence and attack.
“What you saw today has been at least six weeks in the making, it’s great to see it all connect and come to fruition,” Cleary said in an ominous warning to the Panther’s remaining NRL rivals in 2025.
“They’re connecting well and there were some good signs today.
“We have a lot of players playing well, confidence is high, we’re feeling good about our game and where it’s at.”
‘They’re going to be very hard to beat’ says Ciraldo
Penrith’s quest for a record fifth straight NRL premiership continues at Suncorp Stadium as the Broncos get the next crack at stopping the Panthers juggernaut.
According to defeated Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, it will take something special from Michael Maguire’s men.
“They (Penrith) are a champion team with champion players, they’re going to be very hard to beat,” he said.