Friday 19th March at Canberra Stadium
Penrith 20: Tries: Rooney (2), Gower (1), T. Puletua (1), Roberts (1), Ross (1), Waterhouse (1); Goals: Campbell (3) | Canberra 16
More: themightypanthers.com/match0860.htm
The Raiders raced to a 12-0 lead inside the opening ten minutes, but the Panthers soon responded with their first try through Tony Puletua, with Preston Campbell’s conversion reducing the margin to 6 points.
Penrith were denied the opportunity minutes from the half time break when controversially denied a try based on an error earlier in the tackle count that was missed by the on field referee but was over ruled by the video referee.
However, nine minutes into the second half the visitors finally locked it up when Trent Waterhouse scored.
Canberra pulled ahead again just after the 60-minute mark to lead 18-12.
An unconverted try to Craig Gower minutes later reduced the margin to two and then soon after Penrith hit the lead for the first time when Amos Roberts crossed for a try, with Campbell’s extras giving them a 22-18 lead.
Three late tries, including a double to Luke Rooney and one to Ben Ross on the full-time siren saw the Panthers blow out the final score and gave the defending premiers their first victory for the season.
The Mighty Panthers 