Penrith moved within touching distance of another NRL minor premiership while leaving Canterbury’s finals hopes hanging by a thread with a convincing 24-10 win at CommBank Stadium.
Liam Martin crossed twice and Dylan Edwards produced an influential performance as the Panthers moved two competition points clear of the Warriors and Roosters heading into the final round.
Penrith established control through relentless defence before Martin’s second try and three Nathan Cleary penalty goals helped withstand a Bulldogs fightback, which included tries to Matt Burton and Jacob Preston before Casey McLean effectively sealed the contest late. Coach Ivan Cleary described the performance as his side’s “best 80 minutes for some time,” although an injury to Izack Tago and continuing uncertainty over captain Isaah Yeo tempered the result.
Canterbury remain 10th and now require an unlikely combination of results to reach the finals, with coach Cameron Ciraldo lamenting that his team would not be in such a precarious position had they produced the same intensity earlier in the season.
