In the end, every player did their part for the Penrith Panthers as they won nine on the trot in a big 48-0 win over the Cronulla Sharks.
It was basically one-way traffic from the start with powerhouse prop James Fisher-Harris opening the scoring.
Apisai Koroisau found him courtesy of a crash play close to the line and Fisher-Harris nabbed his first try since 2019.
Typically, the left edge is the lethal one but it was the right edge that did all the damage for the Panthers tonight.
Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards combined down the right for Charlie Staines to stroll over for his first of the game. This would be his first of three tries.
It was clear quite early that it was not going to be a good night for the Sharks.
Cleary’s crossfield kick was batted back by Kurt Capewell, gathered by Isaah Yeo and he found Stephen Crichton who stepped inside to score.
Cleary would again be involved as he delivered a no-look pass for Jarome Luai who found Matt Burton on his inside to score.
By this time, the Panthers were flying high at 24-0 with 11 minutes left to play in the half.
The Sharks dug deep for the next little while with the Panthers next points only coming after 11 minutes into the second half.
It was a rather contentious one as well, with many believing that Viliame Kikau had not grounded the ball with downward pressure.
Nevertheless, the try was awarded and Kikau got his name on the scoresheet.
Staines’ second try would come on the back of some quick hands and he easily outgunned his opposite number for speed to stroll over.
Crichton and Staines would combine for a second time to complete the winger’s hat-trick as he racked up yet another impressive tally against the Sharks.
With what was effectively the last major set of the game, Cleary and Matt Eisenhuth would put the icing on the cake.
Cleary grubbered ahead and Eisenhuth was first to the ball to score.
Despite the comprehensive win and going 9-0, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was refusing to get too carried away.
“It’s round nine, a long way to go,” Cleary said.
“I’ve said this before, no one remembers the first half of a year and we’ve still got Origin to get through and all that.
“We’re just happy plugging away each week and enjoying our footy. We’re just starting our journey.”
The only major concern for Penrith is hooker Koroisau placed on report for a crusher tackle.
“You’re always concerned on those types of ones because it’s very easy to get suspended in the current climate,” Cleary said.
A talking point out Sharks way was the surprise second-half benching of Chad Townsend, a move coach Josh Hannay explained.
“It wasn’t anything to do with Chad’s performance,” Hannay said.
“It was just a plan there to get Matt on for either one of those guys [Townsend or Johnson].
“If we were going a lot better and on the front foot and our game was on I wouldn’t have put Matt out there.
“But at that point of the game, it was an opportunity to get Matt on in his preferred side of the field and get some minutes under his belt.”
NRL News Player of the Game
3. James Fisher-Harris (PEN)
2. Stephen Crichton (PEN)
1. Nathan Cleary (PEN)
