LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a disappointing turn of events, the Penrith Panthers were unable to maintain their early momentum and ultimately suffered their third consecutive defeat against the Parramatta Eels at BlueBet Stadium.
This loss marks the end of the Jersey Flegg regular season for the Panthers, who will finish in fourth place.
To retain their title, they will now have to win four consecutive games, starting with either the Eels or Melbourne Storm in the upcoming weekend.
Despite the final outcome, the Panthers started the game with a remarkable display of skill and determination.
They applied immense pressure on the Eels, resulting in two goal line drop outs and three penalties.
Joseph Nohra capitalized on this dominance by breaking through the defense and scoring the opening try in the seventh minute.
Timothy Sielaff-Burns successfully converted, giving the Panthers an early 6-0 lead.
However, a penalty for obstruction during their attack proved to be detrimental for the Panthers.
The Eels took advantage of the field position and managed to cross the try line in the left-hand corner through Ethyn Martin.
Undeterred, the Panthers regained their composure and pushed forward.
In the 20th minute, Riley Wake, who had just come onto the field, scored a try, putting the Panthers ahead 10-4.
The Eels quickly retaliated, capitalizing on consecutive penalties and managing to score through Ethan Sanders in the 25th minute.
Sanders successfully converted, leveling the scores at 10-all.
Just before half time, the Panthers managed to regain the lead when Liam Ison delivered a brilliant cut out pass to Sielaff-Burns in the corner.
However, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Panthers with a 14-10 lead at the break.
Unfortunately, the Panthers were unable to maintain their dominance in the second half, and the Eels seized the opportunity to take control of the game.
They scored two tries and successfully converted both, ultimately securing a 26-14 victory.
With this defeat, the Panthers now face an uphill battle to retain their title.
They will need to regroup and find their form once again as they enter the crucial stage of the competition.