A Dominant Performance by the Panthers
In a thrilling 15-minute battle, the Penrith Panthers ultimately proved too strong for the Sydney Roosters, showcasing their dominance in the 2026 NRL season. The game, which saw the Panthers deliver a resounding 40-4 victory at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, highlighted their growing strength and cohesion as a team.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson reflected on the match, referencing the famous words of boxer Mike Tyson. “Everyone can fight until they get punched in the face,” he said, emphasizing how his team was caught off guard by the Panthers’ aggressive approach. “We got punched in the face, and we didn’t fight back.”
The Panthers, entering their third game of the season, have been relentless in their performances. They have only conceded two tries in their three matches, with just 10 points given up, while scoring an impressive 92 points. This consistency has positioned them as one of the strongest teams in the league.
Despite their success, Panthers captain Nathan Cleary remains focused on improvement. “I think we’re certainly ahead, but completing at 90 per cent actually unlocks a lot of our attacking flare, I’d say,” Cleary noted. He acknowledged that there is still room for growth, but he feels the team is significantly better than last year.
One key factor in the Panthers’ success is the stability of their core playing group. For the first time since their four-peat between 2021 and 2024, the team hasn’t lost any key players from their spine. Dylan Edwards, Blaize Talagi, Cleary, and Mitch Kenny remain intact, allowing the team to maintain continuity. Unlike the previous season, when all four players underwent surgery, this year’s pre-season was uninterrupted, contributing to the team’s current form.
The result is a side that is far ahead of the competition and on track for their fifth premiership in six years.
Key Moments in the Match
The game began with an early try from the Roosters, but the Panthers quickly responded. Winger Tom Jenkins, who had been dropped at the end of the previous season, scored his first try of the night – and it was just the beginning. Coach Ivan Cleary praised Jenkins for his hard work during pre-season, noting that the new “Milky” is now one of the league’s top performers, leading the NRL in try scoring with eight so far.
A well-executed combination involving Kenny and Talagi sent Jenkins across the line, equalizing the score at 4-4 in the 15th minute. Just four minutes later, Brian To’o delivered a moment of brilliance with a double grubber-and-regather play, securing a sensational individual try that shifted the momentum in the Panthers’ favor.
“I might ask him for a few tips on grubbers. They were dead-set perfect,” Nathan Cleary said of To’o’s performance. Coach Ivan Cleary emphasized the importance of such moments, stating that they are crucial in tight games. “That put us ahead after a period that was pretty tight, and then we scored in the next set as well off the kick off. That was a crucial time in the game, and I thought it was a big turning point.”
Edwards added to the Panthers’ lead shortly after, capitalizing on a break by Paul Alamoti. Cleary and the NSW fullback provided support on the inside, setting up a smooth scoring opportunity.
Building Chemistry on the Field
By the 27th minute, another slick backline movement led to Jenkins scoring his second try of the night. Cleary’s successful conversion extended the lead to 22-4, effectively sealing the game for the Panthers.
With all their players fit, the combinations that the Panthers work on in training are starting to pay off. “It’s a lot of reps, but it’s probably a feel thing as well, and just sort of being able to understand each other’s game,” Cleary explained. He expressed confidence in the partnership between himself and Talagi, noting that they are already performing well together.
“There’s still a long way to go, and really enjoying sort of Blaize and my partnership getting to flourish,” Cleary concluded.
