Panthers v Broncos preview
8 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
The Warriors continued their dramatic run of Golden Point games in Auckland today - but finally came out winners with some Shaun Johnson magic delivering the hosts an extra time win over Penrith.
For the whole game Johnson had the whole Penrith side on a string, forcing an incredible 5 line drop outs. Yet, Penrith hung in, forcing the Warriors to endure another Golden Point thriller. At the end of the contest though, luck was on the side of the hosts as the man of the moment danced over in the 89th minute to claim a much needed win.
With so much to play for both sides threatened early. Running into space early in the 5th minute, a mistake from Isaah Yeo left a potential try-scoring opportunity begging for the away side. But when presented with a penalty 10 out the Panthers opted to take the two in the 11th minute and take an early lead.
All their work would be undone by a couple of untimely errors and a try would come for David Fusitua in the 16th minute. Tyrone Peachey would seemingly let Fusitua take a perfectly placed bomb on the Penrith line and attempt to tackle the hurtling Warriors centre. Yet I think we all knew how that would end, and it was not pretty for Penrith, conceding an avoidable four pointer. Isaac Luke missed the conversion from almost right in front.
The Warriors would continue to threaten throughout the first half with the returning Bodene Thompson and edge back rower Ryan Hoffman almost crashing over on numerous occasions. It looked like the Panthers had bounced back in the 30th minute, but a suspect forward pass denied Josh Mansour crossing off a beautiful array of passes. And a few more frustrating errors from the away side would see Shaun Johnson star, building pressure before sending Ken Maumalo over in the corner after Mansour had fumbled a tough, stumbling grubber in slippery conditions.
Despite some concerning errors the Panthers were able to display some form of resolve in defence, holding off the Warriors late and only going into the sheds down 10-2. In the end, coming into the second forty the Panthers would need to clean up their handling having completed at just 61%. Having demonstrated some flashes of brilliance, their discipline would prove critical.
And the Panthers would make the Warriors pay almost straight away in the 2nd half when Peachey crossed in the 43rd minute after a great dummy and run by Cleary.
Another forced drop out by Johnson would see Fusitua nab his second in the 48th minute. Penrith looked dangerous, but lacked execution at times. And a penalty from right in front would see Luke put the Warriors in front by 8.
Off an ensuing poor 5th tackle option Mansour would score, bashing through from 40 out and crossing with ease for Penrith. Lolohea threatened for the hosts almost straight after, yet a try saver from Moylan would stop what seemed a certain four pointer. And off that a Peter Wallace 40/20 in the 70th minute, Mansour grabbed his second. Cleary though, would miss the conversion and unfortunately for the home supporters the Warriors would have to endure another Golden Point game.
There were plenty of chances, with both sides coming up errors in slowly worsening conditions, yet it would take nine minutes for this one to be decided. And fittingly, Johnson would step, then step again and dance over to break Penrith's hearts.
Next week, the Panthers will look to bounce back against a Roosters side confident after their big win over the Broncos. You can catch that one on Monday night at Pepper Stadium. Meanwhile the Warriors will look to attempt to break into the eight when they travel to the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon.
-
Venue:
Crowd:
Halftime Score: