Penrith upset premiers at home

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Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters

A stirring second half from the Penrith Panthers has seen them record a 20-14 upset win over reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters in front of 10,000 fans at Panthers Stadium.

The Tricolours came ready to play and looked dominant - particularly up the middle - in the early stages of the Saturday night contest. The visitors were indeed first on the board with a 2nd minute Kyle Flanagan penalty goal backed up by a fifth minute try to Mitch Aubusson after video referee.

Penrith's attacking opportunities were limited for much of the first part of the contest, but errors and poor discipline meant they weren't able to cut through.

They were made to pay on the 20 minute mark when a Jake Friend grubber was latched onto by Siosiua Taukeiaho and the the Roosters surged to a 12-point lead.

Not long after, Viliame Kikau entered and the home side notched up a gear. This was evident most in the 28th minute. when Brent Naden pounced on an inch-perfect kick through the line from new five-eighth Jarome Luai.

The Roosters led 12-6 at the break but Penrith were able to narrow that gap not long after halftime with a Nathan Cleary penalty goal. Ten minutes later the Roosters did the same to stretch it back out to six the difference through Flanagan.

The tables turned after that - a Stephen Crichton try in the 63rd to level scores was followed nine minutes before fulltime by a rampaging Kikau - previously thought to be injured after a burner in his shoulder in the first half - and Penrith held the lead by six.

Errors and sloppy defence cost the premiers, who were unable to bridge the gap - Penrith instead taking victory.

Next week the Panthers are scheduled to visit the Dragons at Kogarah on Friday night, while the Roosters face Manly in Gosford.