LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a pulsating clash at CommBank stadium, the NSW Cup Panthers and Eels battled it out, ultimately sharing the points in a gripping 80-minute draw.
The Panthers came out firing, with Brad Schneider crossing the try line in the 7th minute after a slick inside pass set him up perfectly.
The conversion was good, giving the Panthers a 6-0 lead and setting the tone for a dominant start to the match.
Despite the Eels mounting pressure with repeated sets inside the Panthers' red zone, the Panthers' defense stood strong, thwarting numerous scoring opportunities and showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
A clever backline shift saw Asu Kepaoa break through the Eels' defense in the 18th minute, extending the Panthers' lead to 12-0 with another successful conversion.
The Eels fought back, with Morgan Harper touching down in the left corner off a precise Matt Arthur kick to narrow the gap to 12-6.
In a seesaw battle, the Eels managed to pull within two points just before halftime thanks to a sensational 4-man cutout pass from Zachary Hunter to Ethyn Martin, who raced over the try line untouched.
The successful conversion made it 12-10, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Both teams showed great determination and skill throughout the match, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blew, signaling a hard-fought draw between two formidable opponents.