Game Summary
The Penrith Panthers produced a dominant second-half display to run out convincing 38-12 winners over the Sydney Roosters at Wentworth Park in Round Three of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, handing the Roosters their first defeat of the season.
The Panthers were out of the blocks quickly, with Jaxen Edgar slipping through the defence to score inside three minutes. Zakauri Clarke, who would prove a reliable option off the tee all afternoon, converted to give Penrith a 6-0 lead. The Panthers then extended that advantage to 12-0 when Jirah Liddiard finished in the corner, with Clarke again converting from the sideline.
The Roosters hit back through halfback Toby Rodwell, who showed a sharp burst of pace off the mark on the back of a Taylor Losalu line-break to make it 12-6. The hosts then levelled at 12-all after a brilliant Cody Ramsey offload sent Hayden Barton over, and suddenly the match had turned on its head.
However, the Panthers quickly regrouped. Jesse McLean dotted down just before half-time after a slick exchange with Izack Tago, extending the lead back to 10 points and restoring Penrith's composure heading into the break. Clarke's conversion attempt fell short, leaving the score at 22-12.
The second half belonged entirely to Penrith. Toby Crosby crashed over from close range to push the lead to 28-12, and the Panthers never looked back from there. Patrick Moimoi then added a sixth try from a sweeping back-line movement to effectively end the contest, going over off a cut-out pass to put Penrith 34-12 in front.
Liddiard sealed his double in the final five minutes with the Panthers' seventh try, with Clarke converting to make it 38-12. The Roosters could not manufacture a response despite several opportunities in the closing stages, with handling errors and missed tackles undermining their challenge.
It was a comprehensive victory for Penrith following last week's loss to the Newtown Jets.
Talking Points
Jaxen Edgar was outstanding throughout, scoring two tries, constantly creating danger in attack, and strong under the high ball. His speed and footwork regularly had the Roosters scrambling in defence.
The Panthers' recruits from the Warriors - including Freddy Lussick, Jakeb Vailalo, Toby Crosby and Patrick Moimoi - made a major impact, combining well to help Penrith dominate large stretches of the contest. Crosby also scored his second try for the season.
Zakauri Clarke was solid with the boot, finishing with six from eight.
For the Roosters, the two tries that brought them level at 12-all showcased their attacking capability, but their inability to maintain that intensity proved costly.
Key Moment
McLean's try just before the half-time siren was the turning point. With the Panthers leading 18-12, McLean combined with Izack Tago on the right edge before finishing strongly to restore Penrith's 10-point advantage. It gave the psychological edge back to the Panthers and they never relinquished it.
What's Next?
The Panthers will carry enormous confidence into Round Four when they face Parramatta Eels on Saturday night, while the Roosters will look to bounce back quickly when they take on Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park in a Thursday night clash.
