LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Penrith Panthers have secured the 2023 minor premiership and simultaneously dashed the North Queensland Cowboys' hopes of making it to the finals.
The Panthers delivered a dominant performance, triumphing over the Cowboys with a resounding 44-12 victory at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday night.
In the first half alone, the defending premiers established a formidable 26-0 lead, leaving the Cowboys struggling to keep up.
Although the Cowboys managed to score twice at the beginning of the second half, their overall performance fell short of the challenge, jeopardizing their chances of finishing in the top eight this season.
This marks the fifth time in Penrith's history that they have claimed the J.J.
Giltinan shield, and their third triumph in the past four years.
Panthers five-eighth Jack Cogger played a crucial role, providing three try assists early in the game, resulting in tries by Stephen Crichton, Sunia Turuva, and Liam Martin.
Peta Hiku's error and the Cowboys' lack of discipline further played into the Panthers' favor, allowing them to regain possession and make their way back up the field.
Nathan Cleary's deft pass set up Brian To'o to powerfully carry three defenders over the line, solidifying the Panthers' lead at 20-0.
Cleary continued to impress, narrowly missing a try before Luke Sommerton sealed the deal just before halftime, securing the Panthers' fifth try of the match.