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NRL 2020: Panthers thrash Sharks as Steve Roach stunned by ‘car accident’ Viliame Kikau hit

The top of the table NRL team may have cause for concern after a star player absolutely brutalised an opponent with an off the ball hit.

Andrew McMurtryAndrew McMurtry
@AndrewMcMurtry
2 min read
August 22, 2020 - 6:35AM
It was another great night for Penrith.
It was another great night for Penrith.

The Penrith Panthers’ have opened up a three-point lead on top of the ladder after a crushing victory over the Cronulla Sharks at Panthers Stadium.

The ladder-leaders extended the club record win streak out to 10 games, brushing aside the Sharks, who were hoping to show their own premiership credentials.

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The plan that has taken the Panthers so far this year was once again in full effect as the side added a 14th straight game where it hasn’t conceded a point in the opening 20 minutes. The Panthers scored three tries in the opening 20 minutes to blow the Sharks off the field.

It has the Panthers now closing in on a potential minor premiership, the club’s first since 2003.

Penrith have only claimed the minor premiership twice – 1991 and 2003 – the two seasons the team won the premiership.

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No Nathan, it was the 10th straight.
No Nathan, it was the 10th straight.

The Panthers did concede a try before the halftime break but took a 22-6 into the sheds. From there, Penrith went on with it for a 38-12 victory in the seven tries to two win.

While the Sharks were missing the NRL’s try assist leader, Shaun Johnson, the club were never in the match.

The only concern for the Panthers may be a late hit without the ball from Viliame Kikau on Sharks rookie half Braydon Trindall.

“Kikau has smashed someone there without the ball — I reckon we might hear about this,” Steve Roach said. “He’s down and still down. Kikau absolutely garotted him.

“I could hear him hitting the ground from up here. That was a car accident.”

Viliame Kikau monstered Braydon Trindall but could be in some trouble.
Viliame Kikau monstered Braydon Trindall but could be in some trouble.

Trindall eventually got up and was able to finish the game off, even kicking for touch after the referee went back and blew the penalty. Kikau was placed on report for the incident.

After the game, Sharks coach Josh Morris said Trindall was “a bit crook” after “a really hard knock”.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said he didn’t think there was much in the incident.

“I just thought he had his head down, Trindall had his hands up to catch the ball so it’s probably clumsy and a bit of fatigue more than anything,” Cleary said. “He didn’t hurt him so hopefully he’s alright.”

But the Panthers fans were sitting pretty after another convincing display.

Originally published as NRL 2020: Panthers thrash Sharks as Steve Roach stunned by ‘car accident’ Viliame Kikau hit

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2020-panthers-thrash-sharks-as-steve-roach-stunned-by-car-accident-viliame-kikau-hit/news-story/bc8dbb8ebd14e4f5db07f1fb24493b07