In a fiery showdown marked by emotion and controversy, the Penrith Panthers narrowly edged out the Wests Tigers 18-14 at CommBank Stadium, overshadowing Jarome Luai‘s first outing against his former club.
The match reignited old rivalries and left Tigers coach Benji Marshall fuming over what he labelled “outrageous” refereeing decisions that he believes cost his side the game.
NEXT: Penrith Panthers Respond to Mounting Pressure Over Nathan Cleary Rugby Union Rumours
Luai, who played a crucial role in all three of the Tigers’ tries, was at the centre of two pivotal penalty calls that swung the contest. One penalty followed a tackle on Panthers debutant Blaize Talagi, which allowed Nathan Cleary to put Penrith ahead 12-10 with a penalty goal.
Minutes later, Luai was penalised for an escort on Liam Martin during a kick chase—another contentious decision that led to Tom Jenkins’ third try of the night.
Jenkins, facing former teammate Sunia Turuva, claimed his first NRL hat-trick, sealing a vital win for a Panthers side clinging to finals hopes after a shaky season start. The defending premiers now sit on a knife-edge, needing to limit themselves to just four more losses to finish with a 50% win record.
Tigers coach Marshall did not mince words in the post-match press conference.
“The game is so hard and demanding. I feel sorry for our players—they didn’t get to decide the result,” he said. “Luai’s tackle didn’t put Talagi in danger, and the escort call was just as bad. They scored off the back of both decisions.”
Despite the defeat, the Tigers put in one of their most complete performances of the season. Luai, back from injury and full of purpose, orchestrated much of their attack.
He assisted tries for Starford To’a and Turuva and was involved in a near game-tying play late in the second half when Jahream Bula was stopped just short by a desperate Panthers defensive duo of Scott Sorensen and Cleary.
Lindsay Smith followed up with another try-saving tackle to preserve the lead.
“It was a tough game,” said Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. “But we hung in there, and those tackles were the difference.”
The Tigers now head into a bye week nursing a four-game losing streak, while Penrith look ahead to a crucial test against the Warriors in two weeks. Though the loss stings, Marshall drew positives:
“Honestly, I thought we were the better side tonight.”
For Luai, the game was an emotional return.
“I felt locked in for the full 80. There are a few plays I’d like to take back, but I’m embracing the challenge and learning every week,” he said.
While the result may have gone Penrith’s way, the fallout from the officiating may echo well beyond Round 14.
