Penrith put on second half masterclass against trying Raiders

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Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders

Penrith remains undefeated in season 2022 with a second-half masterclass downing Canberra 36-6 at a packed Bluebet Stadium this afternoon extending their undefeated streak at home.

Penrith was on the attack from the outset looking to maintain their fortress record at home. With the bulk of possession through a heavy penalty count in their favour, Penrith pounced inside the opening 15 minutes when Dylan Edwards created the overlap and allowed Stephen Crichton to dive in for the premiers and with Cleary's conversion, the premiers had an early lead. However, they weren't having it their own way for much longer. After a mishandled kickoff from Matt Eisenhuth, Canberra hit back when Joe Tapine crashed over after lovely lead up work from Tom Starling and with the conversion, we were back level.

14 minutes later, it was the lead-up work of debutant Soni Luke who found Isaah Yeo and the Penrith skipper crossed over for the premiers to retake the lead. Cleary's conversion extended the margin back out to six points. Canberra's poor discipline allowed Cleary to add another penalty goal to give Penrith a 14-6 half-time advantage. After halftime, Canberra was staying with the premiers, but eventually, the lopsided possession would see them concede a flood of points.

The onslaught started in the 55th minute when Crichton outmuscled the defence to get to the line despite the on-field decision of NO TRY. Crichton's double gave Penrith a 12 point lead. Off the next set, Cleary's grubber kick looked certain to grab his hattrick before Xavier Savage took him off the ball. The bunker was quick to rule a PENALTY try for the Penrith outside back as Crichton is firming for the NSW centre spot vacated by Latrell Mitchell's injury. Ten minutes later, Cleary created another overlap and saw Taylan May continue his try-scoring run to put the margin out to 24 points. Villiame Kikau concluded the onslaught moments later when he received a lovely pass from Jarome Luai to barge over for the premiers.

Canberra would take a lot away from this game, keeping it close to the premiers for 55 minutes, however the switch off in the last 25 minutes will be of major concern to Ricky Stuart. Next week they take on the renewed Warriors. Penrith will look to continue their undefeated start when they take on the inconsistent Titans.