Penrith Panthers Deliver Dominant Performance at CommBank Stadium
The Penrith Panthers delivered a stunning performance at CommBank Stadium, continuing their impressive form with a commanding 50-10 victory over the Melbourne Storm. This win marked another significant milestone for the team, as they became the first side to start the season with five consecutive wins by 20 points or more. The previous records were held by Balmain in 1985 and Manly in 1995, who managed only four such victories.
This was not just a win for Penrith; it was a historic moment. The margin of victory was the largest ever recorded against the Storm, while the Storm faced their biggest defeat since the infamous 40-0 grand-final loss to Manly in 2008. The Panthers’ dominance was evident throughout the match, with several standout performances from key players.
Tom Jenkins Makes History
Winger Tom Jenkins made history by becoming the first player in the league to score a try in each of the first five rounds of the season. His achievement came with three minutes remaining in the game, solidifying his place in the record books. The closest competitor, Billy Slater, had previously scored four doubles in a row but never managed a fifth. Slater, now a commentator for Nine, watched the Panthers’ performance with admiration, acknowledging the sheer intensity of their play.
Penrith’s next challenge is a match against the Bulldogs on Thursday, followed by games against the Dolphins, Knights, Sea Eagles, Raiders, and Dragons. The Panthers have shown consistent form, having won eight straight games to start their 2022 campaign and 12 in a row the previous year. Both seasons ended with premiership victories, raising expectations for this year’s campaign.
Coaches Reflect on the Match
Storm coach Craig Bellamy faced criticism from the crowd during the game, particularly when his image appeared on the big screen. After the match, he admitted that Penrith was “head and shoulders above the rest” at the moment. He expressed frustration with his team’s defensive performance, stating that improvement would require more effort in training. Bellamy even suggested that players unwilling to train harder could consider playing reserve grade, hinting at potential changes to the squad.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged the significance of the win, calling the scoreline a shock. He emphasized the confidence within the team and his role in maintaining a sense of urgency. Cleary noted that the team’s success was due to their strong performances, with players like Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards standing out.
Key Performances and Future Challenges
Nathan Cleary, the halfback and co-captain, continued to shine, while fullback Dylan Edwards delivered a remarkable kick that led to a try for Brian To’o. Casey McLean also made an impact, showcasing speed and strength to set up a try for Jenkins and scoring one himself before halftime. Latrell Mitchell, a consistent performer for the Blues, started the year strongly, but there are discussions about including McLean in the Origin squad if he maintains his current form.
The Storm suffered a setback when skipper Harry Grant sustained a knee injury, though he is expected to recover. Despite the loss, the game was already out of reach for Melbourne, and there was no need to keep Grant on the field.
A Season of Records
The Panthers opened the game with a try from Liam Martin, who was celebrating his 150th NRL appearance. Martin’s try was assisted by a quick recovery of a loose ball, highlighting the team’s efficiency. The Panthers extended their lead through a series of well-executed plays, including a hip-drop tackle by Trent Loiero and a try from Freddy Lussick.
Melbourne responded with a try from Manaia Waitere, but the momentum quickly shifted back to Penrith. Jenkins, Cleary, and McLean all added to the scoreline, demonstrating the team’s attacking prowess.
Penrith has won four consecutive premierships and narrowly missed out on the 2023 final despite leading Brisbane 14-0. Their determination to secure a fifth title in six years is evident, and fans are eager to see what records will fall in the coming weeks.
