The Panthers’ 24-8 win over the Warriors on Saturday wasn’t without controversy.
With 15 minutes to play, the Warriors trailed 12-8 and had the visitors on the ropes.
Having only won two of their last seven games, the Warriors knew they were facing an uphill battle.
But a highly questionable call turned the contest on it's head, and the commentators were quick to call it out.
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The moment that broke the game open
From deep inside their own half, Penrith’s kick bounced awkwardly on the Warriors’ 40m line and landed in the arms of Luke Garner.
Garner immediately flung an offload out to Blaize Talagi, but replays showed the pass appeared to travel forward. Talagi then kicked for Brian To’o, who collected and put Casey McLean over to score.
Michael Ennis summed up the mood perfectly: "Boy, I'm not sure the Warriors fans will forget that pass."
He added: "Close your eyes at that pass if you're a Warriors fan."
Steve “Blocker” Roach didn’t mince words either: "The pass before that was forward."
What could have been Warriors ball instead became a Panthers try - suddenly blowing the scoreline from 12-8 to 18-8 with 14 minutes to go.
To’o seals it late
The Warriors never recovered, with To’o later scooping up a loose ball to score again and put the result beyond doubt at 24-8.
The defending premiers rolled on, but the manner in which the match swung left a bitter taste.
Concern for Cleary?
There was a minor injury scare late in the game, when Dylan Edwards took over goal-kicking duties from Nathan Cleary.
While Cleary continued his general play kicking, his fitness will be one to watch ahead of next week’s clash with the Bulldogs.
Warriors finish tough 2025 campaign
The result ended a frustrating season for the Warriors, who battled through injuries to key players.
Hooker Wayde Egan left for a HIA but was cleared, while Tanah Boyd left the field in the second half. Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett have already spent significant time on the sidelines.
Despite the loss, the Warriors look set to reload for a big 2026, with their young core and returning stars giving fans plenty of hope.