In a thrilling golden-point finish, the Penrith Panthers secured a dramatic victory over the Dolphins, thanks to a remarkable two-point field goal by halfback Nathan Cleary. This match marked Cleary’s return from a hamstring injury, and he wasted no time in making a significant impact.
The game, held in an atmosphere brimming with excitement, saw Cleary, the Panthers’ skipper, demonstrating his impeccable skills and leadership. He hadn’t played since Round 10, yet he effortlessly guided Penrith to a 28-26 comeback win. The contest was a high-scoring affair, with a total of 52 points between the two teams. Notably, Dolphins’ player Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow made a significant contribution with two tries in the first half.
Cleary was flawless with his kicks, converting all five of his attempts, including two challenging sideline conversions that bounced off the goal post. His most crucial kick, however, came in the 82nd minute, sealing the Panthers’ stunning comeback with a decisive two-point field goal.
The Dolphins had the upper hand at halftime, leading 18-12, and they extended their lead early in the second half. Jack Bostock’s try and Jamayne Isaako’s penalty goal put them ahead 26-14 by the 53rd minute. However, the Panthers showcased their resilience, scoring 14 consecutive points to level the game with just five minutes remaining.
Despite the Dolphins’ efforts to hold the line and push the match into golden point, they had no response to Cleary’s brilliance. He delivered the winning kick from 42 meters out, clinching the game for Penrith.
In the match snapshot, the Dolphins demonstrated impressive discipline, completing all 20 of their sets in the first half and finishing with a 92% completion rate, having completed 38 of 41 sets. The game also marked a milestone for Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi, who made his 200th NRL appearance.
The Panthers were missing several key players, with their NSW stars Liam Martin, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, and Isaah Yeo rested, and Dylan Edwards out due to a PCL injury sustained in the Origin decider. Despite these absences, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary celebrated his 250th win as an NRL coach, underscoring the team’s depth and resilience.
This victory also highlighted Nathan Cleary’s importance to the team, as the Panthers have now won nine of their last 10 games with him on the field. His performance not only secured the win but also underscored his pivotal role in the team’s success, making a strong statement upon his return from injury.
The game was a testament to the Panthers’ fighting spirit and Cleary’s exceptional talent, setting a high standard for the remainder of the season and offering a thrilling spectacle for fans of the sport.
