LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a dominant display, the Penrith Panthers took a significant step towards securing a historic three-peat in the premiership with a commanding 32-6 victory over the Warriors at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday.
Led by the outstanding James Fisher-Harris, who set the line for the brilliant Nathan Cleary to control the game, the Panthers had a firm grip on the match as they headed into halftime with a comfortable 20-0 lead.
The Panthers wasted no time in striking first, as Cleary orchestrated a well-executed play that saw prop Moses Leota deliver a perfectly timed long pass to Brian To'o for his 18th try of the season.
With Cleary successfully converting, the Panthers took an early 6-0 lead.
However, the Warriors were given a glimmer of hope when a mistake from Isaah Yeo presented them with an opportunity, only for Dylan Walker's try to be disallowed due to obstruction by Adam Pompey in the build-up.
Despite the Warriors' defense being stretched by a powerful run from Dylan Edwards, Cleary's dropped ball denied the Panthers another scoring opportunity.
Nonetheless, the Panthers capitalized on a turnover from the Warriors deep in their own territory, with Liam Martin capitalizing on a Cleary pass to extend the premiers' lead to 12-0 midway through the half.