The Penrith Panthers have surged back into the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup top four after surviving a dramatic second-half fightback from the Parramatta Eels to secure a 42-28 victory in an exhilarating clash at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Leading 30-4 at halftime and 36-10 shortly after the break, the Panthers appeared in total control. However, a spirited Eels outfit launched a blistering second-half comeback, scoring three unanswered tries to narrow the gap to just eight points with over ten minutes to play.
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With the momentum swinging dangerously, it took a composed and clinical finish from the Panthers to finally shut the door. A pinpoint cross-field kick from Trent Toelau—who registered three try assists—was batted back into the hands of Lufusi Tapaatoutai, who powered over for his first NSW Cup try with just two minutes remaining, sealing Penrith’s hard-fought win.
The afternoon began with promise for the Eels, as Jake Tago crossed in the sixth minute for an early 4-0 lead. But Penrith hit back quickly and relentlessly, with Billy Phillips cleaning up a Toelau cross-field kick to score his maiden NSW Cup try.
The visitors then seized full control. Debutant fullback Jack Attard crossed twice, Sam Lane and Paul Alamoti combined in a brilliant backline movement, and Toelau himself added a solo effort through the middle. Winger David Fale also scored, before Riley Price’s opportunistic try off a fortunate 40/20 bounce on the stroke of halftime sent the Panthers into the sheds up 30-4.
Parramatta responded first after the break through Joey Lussick, but Penrith replied in kind via Fale’s second, thanks to another incisive Toelau break. Yet the Eels refused to fade, piling on three tries in rapid succession—Brendan Hands, Matt Doorey, and Araz Nanva all finding the line—to reduce the deficit to 36-28 and set up a grandstand finish.
But Penrith’s defence held strong under repeated pressure, and their kicking game proved decisive. Toelau’s third assist capped a stellar performance, while Paul Alamoti’s flawless seven-from-seven off the tee provided the difference on the scoreboard.
The result sees the Panthers leapfrog the Newtown Jets into fourth place, while the Eels drop out of the top three after the thrilling but ultimately frustrating defeat.
Talking Points:
Jack Attard made a stellar NSW Cup debut, scoring twice in place of late withdrawal Daine Laurie.
Eels prop Wiremu Greig was placed on report for a high tackle that ruled out Panthers forward Preston Riki.
Paul Alamoti’s perfect kicking display (7/7) proved pivotal in the final margin.
What’s Next?
The Panthers will seek redemption for their Round 5 loss as they travel to North Sydney Oval to face the Bears next Sunday. Meanwhile, the Eels will look to rebound when they host the Sydney Roosters at Kellyville Oval.
