Penrith Panthers continue their unbeaten start to the season with a 18-4 success against Gold Coast Titans on Friday night at Robina.
Jim Ross would describe this game as "bowling shoe ugly" as the Panthers did enough to secure two points. Nathan Cleary led the way with a personal tally of 10 points alongside a pair of try assists to keep the good times rolling.
The first half was an error-fest sometimes interrupted by a football game. Both games were abject with their handling and it led to a 4-0 scoreline headed into half-time. The surprise was that Gold Coast Titans held those four points after Greg Marzhew's late score after some razzle dazzle.
Panthers decided to press the accelerator in the second half. The visitors scored four minutes into the second stanza when Izack Tago held onto the grubber from Cleary after an u-and-down first half with his hands to make it 6-4.
Cleary doubled the delight for the Panthers just minutes later. He took the ball to the line, fed Villiame Kikau, who flopped it back to the halfback to dive over close to the sticks and stretched the visitors advantage to eight.
The Titans weren't going away after their dogged effort in the first half. The hosts regularly got into the right field positions but their options were bland and easily gobbled up by the ferocious Panthers defence.
Panthers added some late icing to the cake through Jarome Luai. Cleary again was the architect with a perfect grubber that bounced right up for Luai to take on the bounce and start the celebrations for the Premiers, 18-4.
There might be something rotten in the state of Titansmark. There is plenty of talent in the team, but they can't seem to put together a consistent 80 minutes or even at times, 40 minutes and might have lost star backrower David Fifita to injury. There is plenty for coach Justin Holbrook to ponder.
This is another pocketed two points for the Panthers before they head into a wicked part of their schedule. The Premiers have Melbourne, Parramatta and Sydney Roosters in quick succession which will put their streak to the test.