The Penrith Panthers slumped to a fifth consecutive NRL defeat after a dominant 30-12 win by the Dolphins, led by a hat-trick performance from fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at Suncorp Stadium.
No team has ever won the premiership after a 1-5 season start, a position the four-time premiers now face.
The Panthers’ attack faltered and defensive edges collapsed, while the Dolphins defended resolutely and struck with flair.
Tabuai-Fidow scored three tries, saved two, and combined with Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo in a relentless assault. Despite the poor start, coach Ivan Cleary maintains confidence the Panthers can turn their season around.
