Panthers crush Bulldogs

In a startling reversal of form, the Penrith Panthers have manhandled the Canterbury Bulldogs at CUA Stadium tonight, running out 40-10 victors in a dominant display of football.

After failing to register a single point last week the Panthers turned things around against a shabby Bulldogs outfit, obviously still struggling from playing a man short all game last week.

It was the visitors who took the early lead with two early goals to kicking genius Hazem El Masri in the 10th and 15th minutes. But Penrith rallied late in the half with tries to new five-eighth Peter Wallace and replacement winger Michael Jennings. Michael Gordon was solid with the boot all night, adding a penalty to his two conversions and upstaging El Masri at times with a faultless display.

After the break Penrith again took the initiative, adding two further tries to backrowers Trent Waterhouse and Frank Pritchard before the Dogs finally crossed the stripe in the 66th minute through captain Andrew Ryan.

But that was the last taste of enjoyment for Canterbury, with Penrith adding a further penalty goal and converted tries to Tony Puletua and fullback Rhys Wesser in the dying stages.

For Penrith, the victory will come as some relief to new coach Matt Elliott, who failed with his first assignment to Cronulla last week. They travel to Suncorp Stadium next week to face the Broncos in what