Panthers snap two game losing streak to secure Top 4 spot

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Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Penrith have consolidated their position in the Top 4, cruising to a 34-12 victory over South Sydney at BlueBet Stadium tonight.

After suffering back-to-back losses to Melbourne and Canberra in recent weeks, it was vital Ivan Cleary's men bounced back to solidify their position in the top half of the ladder and they did exactly that, with lock Isaah Yeo and makeshift halfback Jerome Luai leading the way for the home side, in what was a morale boosting win heading into the final round of the NRL season

South Sydney played with a carefree attitude and while they had glimpses of brilliance, they never looked like troubling the defending premiers and the Bunnies will look forward to ending what has been a hugely disappointing year.

There was a bright spot for the visitors however, with winger Tyrone Munro crossing for two tries following what was a devastating week for the youngster following the death of his mother. The winger bravely chose to play in her honour and produced a two try performance in emotional scenes for his family watching in the stands.

Penrith came into the match with the pressure on their Top 4 spot eased following the Bulldogs loss in the earlier game at Accor Stadium. Despite this Penrith started fast with Isaah Yeo producing a classy pass to James Fisher-Harris close to the line to score the first try of the match. This was followed up almost immediately by a try to backrower Luke Garner, who crashed over in his 100th first grade game thanks to a neat pass from Jarome Luai to give the defending premiers at 12-0 lead.

Luai was at it again for the Panthers third try, when the Blues half dribbled through a beautiful kick close to the line for Brad Schneider to score to make it 18-0.

South Sydney were playing care free football and managed to hit back just before halftime, following an early kick in the set from Cody Walker. The ball then bounced beautifully for Tyrone Munro to score and narrow the scoreline to 18-6 at halftime.

Penrith picked up where they left off after the break through winger Sunia Turuva who dived over in the corner and then minutes later the Tigers bound winger had a double following a break from Jerome Luai and things were starting to get ugly for the Rabbitohs.

Just as the Panthers looked like putting on a cricket score, Tyrone Munro had a second try when the rangy winger pinched an intercept to run the length of the field to narrow the score to 28-12.

Souths then lost backrower Keaon Koloamatangi to the Sin Bin for tackling James Fisher-Harris chasing a kick close to the line. Penrith made them pay immediately through Isaah Yeo, who muscled his way over for a try close to the line to put an exclamation point on a scrappy but important win.

Penrith will now close the season at home in Round 27, where they will host Gold Coast Titans. South Sydney will have a final chance to end their season on a high against their bitter rivals the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium next Friday night.