LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Nathan Cleary orchestrated a stunning NRL finals victory for the Penrith Panthers in his return from injury, putting on a masterclass performance that left the Roosters feeling dudded by a controversial call.
The Panthers star and his teammates were firing on all cylinders in the first half, racing out to a commanding 24-0 lead.
However, the Roosters mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, scoring quick tries through Joseph Suaalii and James Tedesco to narrow the gap.
Coach Trent Robinson's halftime words seemed to ignite a fire within his team, who were on the brink of staging a comeback for the ages.
Suaalii appeared to break free and set up another crucial try, only for referee Ashley Klein to controversially rule a forward pass by Daniel Tupou.
The decision deflated the Roosters' momentum and left many scratching their heads, with Robinson questioning the call after the game.
Despite the setback, the Panthers held on for a 30-10 victory, with Cleary's brilliance shining through in a crucial finals clash.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Roosters showing glimpses of their fighting spirit before being thwarted by a call that will be debated for days to come.
In the end, it was Cleary who stole the show with his exceptional performance, reminding everyone why he is considered a true NRL superstar.