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The Panthers have overcome an early scare to dominate the Warriors with a 46-12 victory at BlueBet Stadium – breaking a longstanding record.
Ivan Cleary’s men became the first team in NRL history to record 20 wins in three consecutive seasons.
Stacey Jones’ men were able to open the scoring, courtesy of a strong run from Dunamius Lui to find Chanel Harris-Tavita.
MATCH CENTRE: Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors live scores, teams
The young gun half then found a flying Reece Walsh who charged onto the ball to score within the opening three minutes.
But from then on, the Panthers went to work, starting with a “brilliant” no-look Kikau pass to find young gun Taylan May.
“That is brilliant, he doesn’t even sight Taylan May, he just trusts he is there,” Fox League’s Michael Ennis said.
Brian To’o then burrowed his head down low to score his first, before Dylan Edwards and Stephen Crichton again manufactured a try for their winger only six minutes later.
On the stroke of halftime, the Panthers worked “in a phonebox” to cross with only seconds on the clock.
Izack Tago ducked under his defenders, finding Taylan May to pass the ball to Sean O’Sullivan to score.
The mountain men kicked on with Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Taylan May again scoring to put the result to bed.
“The scoreline is now looking ominous,” Speed said.
But the New Zealand side were able to hit back, courtesy of some strong ball-playing from prop Tohu Harris with an incisive pass for Eliesa Katoa.
The Panthers were then awarded a penalty try with seconds on the clock after Reece Walsh used his leg to stop Isaah Yeo from scoring.
Read below for the three key takeaways from tonight’s clash!
KOROISAU’S BRILLIANCE
Panthers hooker Apisai Koroisau has showed why he is regarded one of the competition’s best hookers with a dominant display against the Warriors.
The 29-year-old was consistently scheming with darting runs at New Zealand’s markers, having a hand in almost everything in the first half.
Koroisau finished the game after 43 minutes, coming off with an ankle injury, but still managed to record two tackle breaks, a line break and 26 tackles.
“Koroisau has been all over the markers… if they are not square he is scampering, so many metres on offer for the Penrith No.9,” Speed said.
“How good is Koroisau, what a start, terrorising them around the ruck,” Ennis said.
“Koroisau has been magnificent so far,” Speed said.
Immediately after Koroisau came off the field, the Panthers struggled to find the same groove after recording four tries within 20 minutes to close out the first 40 minutes.
Even though Mitch Kenny was able to steer the ship, Koroisau will be sorely missed in 2023 and Ivan Cleary will keep his gun dummy-half wrapped in cotton wool to close out the season.
“Koroisau coming from the field, it takes a little bit of time to adjust,” Ennis said.
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WARRIORS’ DEFENSIVE WOES CONTINUE
The Warriors came into their contest against the reigning premiers with the worst attacking record in the competition.
And Stacey Jones’ men left without being able to improve their 28.5 points conceded per game after allowing the Panthers to pile on 46.
“On area where Penrith are ahead significantly is missed tackles, we know they are the worst defensive team in the comp leaking 28.5 points per game,” Fox League’s Matt Russell said.
At halftime, the Warriors had recorded an alarming 25 missed tackles – while Ivan Cleary’s side had only missed one.
“Alarming one is the Panthers have only missed one tackle, 25 from the Warriors,” Tallis said.
“That’d be pleasing signs from Ivan Cleary.”
The Warriors finished the contest with a staggering 42 missed tackles, while the Panthers recorded only seven, and the New Zealand side’s defensive issues were laid bare.
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HARRIS’ ’WONDERFUL’ DISPLAY
Despite going down to the Panthers in a 34-point rout, Warriors gun Tohu Harris delivered a near-perfect display.
Playmaker Shaun Johnson left the field at halftime with a calf injury and Fox League’s Michael Ennis made a huge call.
“We didn’t anticipate Johnson going out of the game, but you said Tohu Harris could move into the halves,” Speed said.
“Absolutely, he is such a wonderful player, we have seen his ball-playing ability tonight, he is doing it all for the Warriors the poor bugger,” Ennis said.
Harris had a hand in both of his side’s tries, putting Dunamius Lui through the line to spark a Reece Walsh try, before finding Eliesa Kato with another short ball to score.
The 30-year-old finished the night with 62 running metres, two line break assists and a try assist in a strong performance.
“He hasn’t had a lot of help has he, Tohu Harris, the one thing he can do is keep his head high,” Ennis said.
“His work rate is phenomenal, he has had to play with the No.10 on his back after the departure of Matt Lodge, but he is almost playing like a front rower and five-eighth at the same time.”
PRE-MATCH WRAP
The Panthers will be hoping to get through their clash with the Warriors unscathed as they prepare for finals.
Ivan Cleary’s men have already locked up the JJ Giltinan Shield and will be presented their award for the NRL minor premiership after the clash at BlueBet Stadium.
The Panthers welcome back gun playmaker Jarome Luai after an MCL injury, but could rest him next week against the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Liam Martin has been ruled out, with Chris Smith slotting into the starting side.
Penrith have fielded a near full-strength team bar superstar halfback Nathan Cleary, and will be hoping to pile on the points.
Meanwhile, Stacey Jones’ side have a big task on their hands against the reigning premiers in their own backyard.
The Warriors will be without gun backrower Euan Aitken, while young gun Taniela Otukolo returns from the bench.
Eliesa Katoa will start in the backrow alongside Josh Curran while, Freddy Lussick takes up the dummy-half role with Wayde Egan out.
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