NRL: Tension flares as Penrith Panthers extend winning streak with victory over Wests Tigers

Tigers centre Joey Leilua was cited for a shoulder charge on Dylan Edwards as the minor-premiership-bound Panthers showed their class in a fiery winning encounter.

Joey Leilua of the Wests Tigers reacts after a penalty try is awarded to the Panthers during the round-16 NRL match between the Panthers and the Tigers at Panthers Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Tension flared at Panthers Stadium in Sydney on Saturday as Penrith extended their winning streak to 11 with a 30-6 victory against the Wests Tigers.

The Panthers now have their fingernails on the minor premiership after going five points clear at the top of the ladder, although the second-placed Storm face Manly on Sunday afternoon.

It is clear the Panthers and Tigers don’t like each other, and they were at it again in another fiery affair.

Tigers centre Joey Leilua is set for another stint on the sidelines after being cited for a shoulder charge on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards. It’s not the first time the pair have clashed with Leilua copping a four-match ban earlier this season for a high-shot on the Penrith No 1.

The match review committee will also take a look at Moses Mbye’s potential foul play, where he was seen to kick out at Nathan Cleary.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said his team prepared for a clash and it was no surprise the Tigers came out fighting.

“We expected that. It was there in the last game [against the Tigers]. You’ve got to expect that. Teams are looking at us and trying to find ways to beat us,” Cleary said.

It was far from Penrith’s best performance of the season, but coach Cleary will be more than happy to walk away with another two competition points.

Even when this young group of Panthers aren’t at their best, they find a way to win.

“It was a different game. It was good to win in a different style. I thought (the Tigers) started both halves well, but we didn’t offer them much and that was really pleasing,” Cleary said.

“Our control defensively in the last couple of games left a bit to be desired, so we had a big focus on that. I was really happy with that. There were a couple of sets in the match that really changed the momentum.”

Five-eighth Jarome Luai was one of the best players on the field, scoring a classy try and having a hand in a couple more.

“I thought Jarome was really good. He’s started to run the ball a bit more … he’s such a dangerous player and has got a lot of confidence. I thought he was excellent out there,” Cleary said.

With matches against the bottom three teams – Brisbane, North Queensland and Canterbury – still to come, the Panthers are destined to finish on top of the ladder. The only two times they won the minor premiership, they went on to claim the title.

Tigers coach Michael Maguire said he would spend the final month of the season to prepare for 2021.

“I know what we need to do and where we need to go. We need to keep our heads down and work towards that,” he said.

“The opportunities this year are closing and closing, but where we want to take the club and what we want to achieve is our focus.”

The Tigers looked up to the fight in the early stages as they scored the opening try of the night when Benji Marshall caught the Panthers napping with a delicate kick to David Nofoaluma.

Not even the return of cult figure Harry Grant from a knee injury could spark the Tigers. Sharing the hooking duties with Jacob Liddle, Grant played 57 minutes and made 51 tackles.

Panthers lock Isaah Yeo is in major doubt for Thursday night’s clash against Brisbane after suffering a nasty head knock in the second half.

With a history of concussions, it’s unlikely Yeo will be fit for the five-day turnaround against the struggling Broncos.

The Panthers will however be boosted by the return of star backrower Viliame Kikau, who missed the clash against the Tigers due to suspension, while hooker Api Koroisau (calf) is also a chance to return.

Without Kikau and Koroisau, the Panthers looked sluggish in the opening 30 minutes before they clicked into gear.

Panthers winger Brian To’o was impressive on his return from an ankle injury. The Samoan international recorded 210 metres, eight tackle-breaks and scored a vital try.

The Daily Telegraph

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