Panthers v Broncos preview
6 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
An inspirational performance from Penrith five-eighth Preston Campbell has seen the Panthers defeat the Eels 30-20 at Parrammatta Stadium tonight. The result effectively ends Parramatta's 2004 campaign.
The Eels had a dream start, scoring twice in the opening four minutes to lead 12-0. But things turned sour very quickly, the Panthers striking back with two tries of their own and after 14 minutes, it was 12-all.
With both sides playing attacking football, handling errors and ill-displined play followed before Penrith's Rhys Wesser scored courtesy of Campbell pass.
At half time, the Panthers held an 18-14 lead.
The match continued to be a see-sawing affair before Panthers' forward Tony Puletua crashed through in the 63rd minute to give the visitors the edge.
The win may have come at a cost with 2003 grand final hero, Luke Priddis being placed on report following a high shot on Michael Witt in the 18th minute.
With the Dragons breathing down their necks, the victory sees the Panthers maintain fourth position on the ladder.
Parramatta Stadium Referee: Stephen Clark
EELS 20 Tries: Petersen, Widders, McKinnon Goals: Witt 4/4 defeated by PANTHERS 30 Tries: Rooney, Galuvao, Wesser, Campbell, Puletua Goals: Campbell 5/6
By the clock: 0 min: A couple of changes for both sides with Amos Roberts out for the Panthers. A must-win match for Parra. The Panthers needing to win to maintain their top 4 spot. Kick off!
1 min: TRY - Eels. Replacement centre Dean Widders crashes over out wide. Conversion Michael Witt. Eels 6-0
4 min: TRY - Eels. Matt Petersen scores out wide. Conversion Witt. Eels 12-0
11 min: TRY - Panthers. Luke Rooney scores. Follows a cross-field bomb from Preston Campbell. Conversion Preston Campbell. Eels 12-6
14 min: TRY - Panthers. Joe Galuvao scores. Tries flowing thick and fast. Conversion Campbell. 12-all
18 min: NEWS - Luke Priddis (Panthers) on report following high shot on Michael Witt.
18 min: PENALTY GOAL - Eels. Michael Witt makes no mistake. Eels 14-12
24 min: TRY - Panthers. Rhys Wesser scores out wide after being set up by Campbell. Conversion Campbell. Panthers 18-14
HALF TIME SUMMARY: After busting through to a 12-nil lead, the Parramatta side have conceded the next three tries to find themselves behind at the break. Possession slightly favouring the Panthers with the Eels having to do more of the tackling overall. A few turnovers from both sides at the back-end of the half. Still anyone's match. Panthers 18-14
42 min: TRY - Eels. McKinnon scores and Witt converts. Eels back in front 20-18
54 min: TRY - Panthers. Preston Campbell scores and converts. Panther in front again 24-20
63 min: TRY - Panthers. Tony Puletua scores. Conversion unsuccessful. Panthers 28-20
67 min: NO TRY - Lee Hopkins of the Eels denied by video ref.
74 min: PENALTY GOAL - Panthers. Campbell makes no mistake. Panthers 30-20
FULL TIME: The Penrith side just too good in the end with Preston Campbell playing a decisive role while Luke Priddis and Martin Lang were the pick of the pack. The Panthers enjoyed a little more possession and had the greater share of completions. For the Eels, Nathan Hindmarsh and Craig Stapleton were stand outs. Both sides were ordinary when it came to handling but the Eels made the majority of errors. The result has effectively ended Parramatta's season while Penrith are still clinging onto 4th spot on the NRL ladder.
----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - P Campbell (Panthers) 2 - N Hindmarsh (Eels) 1 - L Priddis (Panthers) -----------------------------------------