Game Summary
Some last-minute heroics from late inclusion Jack Cole helped the Penrith Panthers secure a 20-16 victory over the North Sydney Bears on Saturday in Round One of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
The muggy conditions at St Marys Leagues Stadium made for a tough opening-round clash, which showed in the first half with several turnovers. Both sides still had their opportunities in the early exchanges but struggled to gain any substantial momentum.
That was until the 25th minute when the Bears managed to break the deadlock in unorthodox fashion.
About 10 metres from the try-line, interchange hooker Josh Cook was found scanning the defence before throwing the ball back to No.1 Jake Toby in the hope of creating points. The fullback then dinked in a grubber towards the left corner, leaving centre Ammaron Gudgeon on his own to dot the ball down. Centre partner Kieran Hayman converted to lead 6-0, the score that remained until half-time.
The tempo improved considerably in the second half and the Panthers were quick to find their rhythm, with second-rower Harry Armstrong steaming into space at around halfway then evading Toby to trail 6-4.
The hosts were in again soon after but not without a moment of individual brilliance. Once again in quality attacking position from 10 out, the ball went left into the grasp of Jack Cole, who sent a flick pass behind his back for back-rower Zakauri Clarke to score and lead 8-6.
North Sydney regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining off the boot of Jake Toby for the second time, dribbling the ball through for Tui Katoa. The visitors followed that up a few minutes later when Jayden Yates charged at the defence just metres from the line and threw an offload for halfback Tom Steadman to plant the ball down untouched. Hayman added the extras on both occasions to lead 16-8.
While the result seemed beyond doubt, the Panthers had other ideas when new signing Toby Crosby powered onto a short ball under posts from close range.
Penrith then drew a penalty and kick for touch coming out of their own end which Jake Toby appeared to keep in the field of play, but the ball took a turn over the sideline at the 10-metre mark. Within a few plays it was Cole who opted for a show and go and dived in to score in the final moments, helping his side to a 20-16 win.
Talking Points
Jake Toby’s impact will be vital to the Bears’ success this season if today’s game was any indication, having several key involvements as well as getting his side out of trouble throughout the contest.
Aside from the win, one of the positives for Penrith will be the performance of their young forward pack. They not only managed to match it with their more experienced counterparts for the Bears, but also found the try-line through Harry Armstrong, Zakauri Clarke and Warriors recruit Toby Crosby.
A late addition to the Penrith side, Jack Cole showed his class in the second half to steer the Panthers to victory in a tough contest.
Key Moment
The deciding moment in the match certainly came in the final play. With the ruck at centre-field at about 10 metres out, Billy Scott headed right for Jack Cole, who elected to dummy instead of shifting further right. That created the gap for Cole to score the game-sealing try under the posts and get Penrith off to winning start for 2026.
What’s Next?
The Panthers are back at St Marys next Saturday to take on the Newtown Jets in Round Two, while the Bears travel to Lidcombe Oval to face the Western Suburbs Magpies.
