GF rematch victory by the Panthers puts a dent in the wounded Broncos’ chances of making the finals: What we discovered
The Panthers showed their class once again with a gutsy 14-6 win in the grand final rematch that has left the Broncos’ top four chances on life support.
Brisbane needed to win this one a lot more than their rivals but when it really mattered it was Penrith who came up with the big plays at Suncorp Stadium.
Kevin Walters’ men led 6-4 at halftime but didn’t trouble the scoreboard in the second half as the three-time reigning premiers grinded their way to victory.
The Panthers are now outright second on the ladder and up to their eyeballs in claiming a fourth minor premiership in five years, and fourth straight title.
Penrith playmaker Jack Cole scored the opener on Friday night with his first touch of the ball after finishing a nice team try in the 11th minute.
Cole had only just onto the field to replace Dane Laurie who limped up the tunnels with a hamstring injury.
In his first game for the Broncos in 40 days, Reece Walsh showed his blistering speed to make a break then burn Panthers rival Dylan Edwards and score in the 27th minute.
But the hosts lost halfback Jock Madden for the night in the 42nd minute when he tore his hamstring, an injury that will tests the Brisbane’s halves stocks.
The Panthers opened the scoring in the second half with an incredible try against the run of play.
They were allowed to catch a nothing bomb that was put up on halfway and two passes and a grubber later and Brian To’o finished in the corner.
The Broncos looked exhausted in the second half as Penrith just kept grinding away and hooker Mitch Kenny sealed it when he darted out of dummy-half to score in the 69th minute.
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