NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
The Penrith Panthers have continued their outstanding form with a 20-0 drubbing of the Sharks at Toyota Park to move into equal first place with the Brisbane Broncos after 17 rounds.
The game itself was not much of a spectacle but the Panthers frustrated the Sharks out of the game with several flare-ups during the match with Martin Lang and Danny Nutley coming to blows several times throughout the match.
The Sharks are virtually consigned to missing the finals while the Panthers have their eyes on the minor premiership and are growing in confidence every week. It will take a side completely on their game to knock the Panthers off.
As for tonights match, Chris Anderson will have nightmares about the one he let get away in Preston Campbell. The diminutive five eighth capped on a fine match with a superb individual try late in the match to put the result beyond doubt. There was even a hearty cheer from the Sharks faithful as they let one of their favourite sons know they were none too happy with Campbell being forced out of the club.
Penrith have won 11 of their last 12 matches and face the luckless Rabbitohs next week and attempt to rewrite the record books.
Leagueunlimited.com player of the year points:
3 ? Preston Campbell (Panthers) 2 ? Craig Gower (Panthers) 1 ? Luke Rooney (Panthers)
Scorers: SHARKS 0 Tries: Goals:
PANTHERS 20 Tries: Wesser, Rooney, Campbell Goals: Girdler 4/5
By the clock: 10th min: TRY - Panthers. The flying Rhys Wesser makes mince meat of the Sharks defence with a superb solo effort to score out wide. Conversion unsuccessful. Panthers 4-0.
14th min: PENALTY GOAL - Panthers. Offside call against the Sharks right on their own line. Girdler kicks the goal and clocks up 1500 first grade points in the process. Panthers 6-0.
30th min: A tight game with both sides coming close several times. The Sharks are warming to the contest and look like the next team to score. Panthers 6-0.
35th min: TRY - Panthers. Sensational try to Luke Rooney. Craig Gower kicked across field and Rooney makes a diving catch to touch down inches before the dead ball line. An absolutely beautiful try. Conversion successful. Panthers 12-0.
HALF TIME: The Panthers hold a twelve point lead and look to be doing it comfortably. The Sharks have it all to do in the second half.
47th min: PENALTY GOAL - Panthers. Joel Clinton was taken high by Michael Sullivan with Sullivan placed on report. Girdler makes no mistake to extend the Panthers lead to 14-0.
65th min: The Panthers still hold a commanding 14 point lead and with 15 to go, the Sharks will do it very tough to get home from here. Panthers 14-0.
68th min: TRY - Panthers. Preston Campbell a scores great solo try with a jink, step and another jink. Not sure what Chris Anderson woudl be thinking right about now but chances are it's not good. Conversion successful. Panthers 20-0.
FULL TIME: The Panthers have dominated the Sharks, who were unable to score a solitary point against the hottest side in the NRL. Well done Penrith.