LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a disappointing end to their season, the Penrith Panthers Jersey Flegg team suffered a 30-20 defeat to the Parramatta Eels in the elimination final at North Sydney Oval.
Despite initially leading 12-0, this loss marked their second defeat to the Eels in just over a week and their fourth consecutive loss overall.
The Panthers faced early pressure due to a series of penalties, but their strong defense forced the Eels to make mistakes.
Capitalizing on an Eels error from a Panthers grubber, Sam Lane scored the opening try in the 14th minute.
Timothy Sielaff-Burns successfully converted the try, giving the Panthers a 6-0 lead.
A successful set of plays led to Sielaff-Burns forcing a drop out with a grubber, presenting the Panthers with a prime opportunity to increase their lead.
Peter Taateo took advantage of this opportunity and powered his way over the try line next to the posts.
Sielaff-Burns converted the try, extending the Panthers' lead to 12-0.
However, the Panthers were immediately punished for an error in the following set of plays, as Ethan Sanders scored a try out wide.
Sanders successfully converted his try, reducing the Panthers' lead to 12-6.