LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Roosters have been sent packing by the Panthers in a brutal showdown that left no doubt about Penrith's intentions in the finals race.
Halfback Nathan Cleary, fresh off injury, orchestrated a masterful performance to lead his team to a decisive 30-10 victory.
Doubts lingered over the Panthers' form heading into the playoffs, but they silenced the critics with a dominant first half display that left the Roosters reeling.
The home side ran riot in the opening stages, racing to a commanding 22-0 lead within minutes, leaving the Roosters scrambling to keep up.
Errors at the back cost the Roosters dearly, as the Panthers capitalized on their mistakes to pile on the points.
Brian To'o set the tone with a powerful try, bulldozing his way over the line with sheer determination.
Izack Tago followed suit with a spectacular effort, showcasing the Panthers' attacking prowess with a clever finish off a Cleary kick.
Jarome Luai then joined the party, twisting and turning his way to the tryline after a pinpoint assist from Cleary.
The Panthers were firing on all cylinders, leaving the Roosters no room to breathe as they ran rampant on their way to victory.
The Roosters now face a tough road ahead to keep their season alive, with the pressure mounting and their rivals smelling blood.
It's do or die for the men in red, white, and blue as they look to bounce back from this crushing defeat and stay in the hunt for the ultimate prize.
Time will tell if they have what it takes to rise from the ashes and prove their worth in the unforgiving arena of Rugby League.