Tarsha Gale Cup: Relive all the action between the Bulldogs and Panthers

The Panthers produced a barnstorming second half performance to overwhelm Canterbury and set themselves up nicely for the future. RELIVE all the action from our live stream.

The Panthers and the Bulldogs put on a try-scoring extravaganza in the Tarsha Gale Cup affair at BlueBet Stadium with Penrith running out 12-point victors.

The home side controlled the game early and crossed over in the sixth minute through Siulolovao Vave, with skipper Taytana Ifopo landing the subsequent conversion from the sideline.

Canterbury fought back with Monalisa Soliola going to work, with the five-eighth playing a role in tries to Abigayle Sekitoga, Piper Spackman and Bree Stone to see the visitors lead 14-6 at the break.

The Panthers are set up nicely for the future.

Panthers back rower Montana Clifford managed to force herself over the line in the opening minutes of the second half, but the Dogs hit back straight away through winger Sekitoga.

Panthers hooker Chelsea Makira put Ifopo through a hole in the 45th minute with the five-eighth dashing 40 metres to score.

From that point it was all the Panthers. Linae Williams and halfback Brooke Talataina picking up four-pointers to see Penrith run out 32-20 winners.

Panthers captain Taytana Ifopo nailing her first conversion attempt from the sideline. 6-0 @PenrithPantherspic.twitter.com/pwXCAkQIdN

— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) April 1, 2022

Newcastle awaits Penrith in the final round, but despite the win the Panthers won’t be featuring in this year’s final series.

However, Panthers coach Darren Baker said the strong win is indicative of things to come for the mountain women.

“The first half wasn’t what we wanted, but the second half, 26 to 6, I can’t be happier,” Baker said.

“Both our halves were really good. In the first half we defended too much and I knew that when we did get back to our structures, we were going to capitalise on their mistakes and dominate.

“In the group that we have there’s probably 10 girls who will be here next year, so it’s good to see and the young group coming through there are some pretty good local players so we’re hoping we’ll be pretty strong next year.”

The defeat marks the end of the Bulldogs season with the Belmore club having a bye in the final round.

Growing up in Darwin with her six brothers and sisters, back rower Niki said she has “no idea” where she’d be now without her blue and white jersey.

“The Bulldogs messaged me when I was at boarding school in Toowoomba and playing in the Harvey Norman under 19s Cup in Queensland,” she said.

“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I finished school, except for play footy.

“It’s been a big step up from what I’m used to. The professionalism at the club has been awesome.”

The 18-year-old hopes the move south gives her the “best chance to be seen by the NRLW squads.”

“I miss my family but I talk to them a lot. I’m very grateful for FaceTime and things like that. I do miss them, but right now I’m happy to be where I am,” Niki said.

“My dream is to play in the NRLW that would be the top thing on my list right now.”