Finals Week Two Wrap: Jersey Flegg, Women’s Premiership

The Jersey Flegg Cup Major Semi-final produced a thrilling contest at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon, with Penrith Panthers overcoming Minor Premiers St George Illawarra Dragons 32-28 to secure their place in the Grand Final. 

The Panthers raced to a 16-point lead in the opening half after making the most of an early sin bin to Dragons winger Toby Rumble. Tries to Haami Loza, Harry Wald, Leo-Stripe Latu and Cameron Kanaan saw Penrith take a 22-4 advantage at the break. 

The Dragons came out firing in the second half, with Kyle Andrews and Bailey Carmichael crossing before Rumble completed a double to level the scores at 22-all with 20 minutes remaining. 

However, Panthers fullback Darcy Feltham scored a crucial 90-metre try to restore the Panthers lead before Cameron Kanaan crossed for his second try of the afternoon to put Penrith back in control as they sealed a four-point victory. 

The Panthers now enjoy a week off before returning for the Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final. The Dragons will face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in next week’s Preliminary Final for another chance to reach the decider. 

The Minor Semi-final was another high-scoring affair as Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs kept their premiership hopes alive after fighting back from 14 points down to defeat Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 38-30. 

The Sharks looked in control early, taking a 22-8 lead at half-time following a late try in the half to Prestyn Laine-Sietu.

Cronulla continued to threaten after the break, but the Bulldogs produced a remarkable second half turn around, scoring five tries to swing the momentum in their favour and eventually claim an eight-point victory.

The result keeps the Bulldogs season alive as they prepare to face the Dragons in next week’s Preliminary Final. 

NSW Women’s Premiership 

Newcastle Knights booked their place in the NSW Women’s Premiership Grand Final for a third straight year after defeating South Sydney Rabbitohs 18-12 in Sunday’s Major Semi-final. 

The Rabbitohs had entered the contest full of confidence after defeating Penrith 32-16 in Week One, while the Knights were playing their first finals match following a week off after claiming the Minor Premiership. 

The Rabbitohs took an early 12-0 lead before losing second-rower Claudia Brown to a stint in the sin bin that saw momentum shift in favour of Newcastle. 

The Knights produced three unanswered tries to book their place in the decider after prop Lacey Cross powered her way over the line with three minutes remaining to seal an 18-12 win. 

Mounties kept their NSW Women’s Premiership campaign alive with a convincing 28-4 that ended the season of Penrith Panthers. 

Mounties were on the scoreboard in the opening minute after Ellie Brander broke through the defence to score. 

The momentum continued for Mounties after they produced four tries in the first half to take a 24-0 lead. 

A strong defensive performance saw them limit the Panthers to a try and progress to the Preliminary Final where they will face the Rabbitohs for a place in the Grand Final.

NSWRL Grand Final Day will be hosted at CommBank Stadium on Saturday 26 September, with the premiers for three NSWRL Major Competitions to be decided. 

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