LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a hard-fought battle, the Panthers emerged victorious with a 16-10 win over the Bulldogs, but not without a cost.
Star halfback Nathan Cleary once again succumbed to his hamstring injury, leaving fans and teammates concerned about his availability for the upcoming State of Origin series.
Despite a shaky start that saw the Premiers make uncharacteristic errors, Cleary's heroics helped keep the Bulldogs at bay in the early stages of the game.
However, it was Luke Garner who broke the deadlock with a powerful run through the Bulldogs' defense to score the first try of the match.
As the game progressed, Dylan Edwards and Brian To'o combined for a spectacular try just before half time, giving the Panthers a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Unfortunately for Cleary and the Panthers, the victory came at a cost with Cleary now facing another extended period on the sidelines.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, showed determination and fighting spirit throughout the game, refusing to back down despite the odds stacked against them.
In the end, it was the Panthers who proved to be too strong, continuing their winning streak and solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Rugby League world.