Sunday 5th August at Panthers Stadium
Penrith 40 – Tries: Peachey (2), Maloney (1), Mansour (1), Tamou (1), Watene-Zelezniak (1), Whare (1); Goals: Cleary (5) | Canberra 31
More: themightypanthers.com/match1224.htm
The Panthers opened the scoring within the first two minutes when James Tamou barged over from close range to hold a 6-0 lead.
The visitors struck back with a converted try of their own to make it 6-all, and soon edged ahead with a penalty conversion.
Just before the 20 minute mark, the Panthers regained the lead when Tyrone Peachey burnt the Raiders defence by slicing through.
Canberra scored three tries in the final 15 minutes of the half to hold a 26-12 lead at the break.
Six minutes after the restart Penrith reduced the margin to eight points when Dean Whare stood up the Canberra fullback to run 35 metres to the line.
Canberra once again stretched their lead after 55 minutes with a try to lead 30-18.
However, the Panthers were the next to score when Peachey made it a double when he dummied close to the line and reduced the Raiders lead to 6.
With 13 minutes remaining, a Raiders field goal made it 31-24.
Minutes later, a series of passes found an unmarked Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the right wing to stroll over. The try would remain unconverted and the Raiders still held a three point lead.
Soon after Panthers would hit the lead when Josh Mansour fooled the Raiders fullback to cross over, and with the conversion made it 34-31.
The home team secured the premiership points with two minutes remaining when James Maloney jinked his way over from close range.
The Mighty Panthers 