LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NZ Warriors suffered a disappointing 14-40 defeat against the Penrith Panthers in their round 16 Jersey Flegg Cup match at Go Media Stadium.
Coming off their best win of the season, a 32-20 victory over Parramatta, expectations were high for the Warriors, who were looking to build on their recent momentum.
The match was especially significant as it pitted the fifth-ranked Panthers against the eighth-placed Warriors, allowing for a measure of the home side's progress.
However, the Warriors fell well short of expectations.
Penrith, eager to recover from their previous 6-38 loss to the Dragons, delivered an emphatic performance that left the Warriors reeling.
This defeat not only marked a setback for the Warriors but also pushed them out of the top eight in the standings.
Looking ahead, the Warriors now prepare to take on the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park in Sydney next weekend.