LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Jarome Luai put on a show-stopping performance as the Panthers annihilated the ladder-leading Cronulla Sharks with a scoreline of 42-0 at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night.
Luai, already a lock for Michael Maguire's Blues team, put on a clinic to secure a convincing victory for the Panthers, marking their first win at PointsBet Stadium since way back in 2012.
Right from the get-go, the Panthers took advantage of a dropped ball by Sharks winger Sione Katoa, with James Fisher-Harris bulldozing over the line from close range to give the defending premiers an early lead.
Jesse Ramien followed suit for the Panthers, with Luai showcasing his speed and fancy footwork to extend the lead to 12-0 after a successful conversion by Dylan Edwards.
As the Panthers cranked up their defensive pressure, it was Luai who kept the Sharks on their toes, forcing errors and creating opportunities for his team.
Despite a missed opportunity due to a mistake by Liam Martin, the Panthers continued to dominate with relentless pressure.
Another wayward kick by Hynes and another spilled ball by Katoa allowed Paul Alamoti to score from the scrumbase, extending the lead to 18-0 by the 27th minute.
The Panthers continued to pile on the points, with Luai orchestrating the attack and keeping the Sharks on the back foot.
It was a masterclass performance by Luai, setting the stage for a perfect tune-up ahead of the upcoming State of Origin series.
The Panthers' victory was a statement to the rest of the competition, showcasing their dominance and hunger for success as they look to maintain their place at the top of the ladder.