The Penrith Panthers kept their hopes of a fifth consecutive NRL premiership alive with a gritty 8-6 victory over the Bulldogs on Thursday night.
In a clash between the dominant team of 2025 and the reigning powerhouse of the past four years, it was Panthers star Nathan Cleary who produced the match-winning moment. With Penrith trailing 6-2 late in the game, Cleary charged down a Matt Burton kick and regathered untouched to score the decisive try.
Despite a groin issue limiting his goal-kicking, Cleary’s influence proved crucial in a high-intensity contest that opened the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. With all five of their Origin stars returning, Penrith completed at an impressive 88 percent and racked up 35 tackle breaks.
