The Penrith Panthers have extended their winning streak to nine straight over the Roosters with a 22-16 win in an action-packed affair at Allianz Stadium.
Panthers winger Sunia Turuva scored a hat-trick and Dylan Edwards was outstanding, with the fullback handing in an early contender for try of the year after a brilliant individual effort.
The Panthers were without star halfback Nathan Cleary, but Brad Schneider did played a strong game in the No. 7 jersey, looking confident with each touch and adding 25 tackles.
MATCH CENTRE: Roosters v Panthers stats, scores, video
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The Roosters looked listless in attack, with Joey Manu providing the only threat with ball in hand for the home side, however that was probably more of a reflection on how restricting the Panthers’ defence was.
15 minutes into the contest, Edwards was backpedalling on the 5th tackle as the Roosters defence was closing, however went right, found some space before putting a grubber in which he chased down himself to give Penrith a 12-0 lead.
“Penrith flying early,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League.
“That’s brilliant skill.”
10 minutes later, the Roosters looked to have hit back through Joey Manu, however it was denied by the Bunker after a contentious obstruction was found.
The Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargraeves ran 10 metres past the defensive line but stopped as Edwards was coming over in cover. According to the Bunker, that constituted an obstruction.
“That’s rubbish. He’s in the in goal. How far through the line do they want him to run. They want him to run to Randwick!” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.
The Roosters would finally score on the stroke of halftime after a lovely Sam Walker kick was chased down by Sitili Tupouniua, who did well to ground it just inside the field of play.
Turuva would score two tries in the second half to give Penrith a 22-6 lead.
The Roosters looked gone, but two late tries to Brandon Smith and Daniel Tupou got the home side within 6 with 24 seconds left.
The Roosters tried one final play 80m out but a Luke Keary cut out ball was batted into touch by the Penrith to give them the win.
“Penrith played a higher tempo than the Roosters. They were all over them,” Matty Johns said post match.
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