Friday’s game in the cold, dew-sodden, crowd-less arena in BlueBet Stadium in Penrith between the Panthers and the Eels was one that rugby league purists had been yearning for.
It was an old-fashioned arm wrestle.
There were errors made but it was refreshing to see a stalemate, a far cry from the blowouts that have become synonymous with season 2021.
The highlight of the game was watching two opposing enforcers lock horns: James Fisher-Harris and his former teammate Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
Neither man took a backward step. They seemed to gravitate towards each other. Their charges were filled with venom and there were plenty of brutal collisions between the pair.
It was Fisher-Harris that came out on top.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Penrith were able to grind out a somewhat ugly win thanks to a late field goal by Matt Burton.
The final score seemed destined to finish at 13-12 to the Panthers however there was a last-minute twist, which befitted the night.
With less than a minute left on the clock, the Eels opted for a short kick-off, with Liam Martin running Waqa Blake off the ball.
Parramatta were gifted a shot at goal in the dying embers of the game with the opportunity to snatch the game.
Mitch Moses stepped up to the plate and missed. Penrith survived by the skin of their teeth. It was a tough kick, 35 metres out close to the sideline, however it summed up his night.
While Moses did set up two tries with kicks, and at times tormented Penrith’s fullback Charlie Staines under the high ball, he failed to stamp his authority in a crucial game with the vacant Blues halfback jersey being the prize for a strong performance.
Penrith meanwhile showed encouraging signs, edging out a top-four team with their marquee playmaker on the sidelines injured.
Burton showed poise, slotting the winning field goal after missing an attempt in the previous set, while Isaah Yeo got through a tonne of work and Brian To’o was immense with his barnstorming runs.
We also cannot forget Fisher-Harris’ efforts to cement his dominance as the leader of the Penrith pack.
While it wasn’t end-to-end attacking footy, I loved watching the gripping war of attrition that took place on Friday night and I hope it isn’t the last of the like we see this year.
Sad Eels!
Guest
Well, at least they ran in 2 tries. Parramatta could only manage 2 dodgy kick tries.
Joey
Guest
No, very disappointed Panther. They really showed nothing more in attack than they did v Tigers or Sharks. Luai was just not seen, and that was a huge failure to not be the one to lead the way. Felt like 5 years ago where they only knew how to ruck it up for 5 tackles and kick it on the last. Pretty clear that NSW will now have equally no leader in game III without Cleary.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It was a tough game and I liked the way momentum went back and forth, which we just don’t enough of these days and it was a tight finish. So compared to the 30s, 40s and 60s to nil we’ve had the rest of the weekend and last 6 weeks it was great, but it wasn’t a “classic” for the “purists”. Especially considering this was 2v3 on the ladder 71 missed or ineffective tackles for the Panthers, 43 for the Eels. 15 errors by the Panthers, 11 by the Eels I’ll take that every day of the week over what we’ve been seeing but let’s not get carried away…
Onya!
Guest
Canberra & Nicoll-Klokstad.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Na Penrith aren’t up at storms level to me either, on their day. But the club is something else. Sorry if my response come at you, I was responding at ‘Joey’ up ahead
Sad Eels!
Guest
If you’re just a very disappointed Parramatta supporter Joey? Got some bad news for you! If ever Parramatta were going to defeat Penrith well. It was in that game. Given that, they’re close to zero chance of getting to & defeating Melbourne in a GF this season. Won’t say Zero! As there’s always hope. As much as the Parramatta club & supporters would wish it to be so. It’s most likely to be another disappointing seasons end.
Onya!
Guest
Same as always. By scoring more points.
Paul
Guest
I’ve seen others on here saying how great the Roosters are without many players? Evidently, that’s not a fact. I didn’t see Edwards on the field against Parramatta? He’s not the halfback. I didn’t compare 5-8 players being put, to the half being out ? I said that there was some reason for the 2 losses. Didn’t see them lose to the 3rd placed team , without the half & fullback? I think you that you think, Penrith should be the same as Melbourne? Melbourne’s in their own league , with performances when missing players.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Yeah I think with a full, fit squad they a little behind storm, but one their day…
Wait a minute!
Guest
That’s to you. Even if it’s not convincing. A win is still a win. A lot of people were saying that they can’t win without Cleary. I don’t rate them as highly as the current Premiers & favourites again for this season. Especially in the forwards. Still, if you get to the top 8, it’s a new competition. A few teams are then a chance.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
They did have a few more then only Cleary out, that makes a pretty big difference. You comparing 8 - 5 players out (including the halves) to the halfback being out.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Hi Wait a Minute! To me even without Cleary Panthers still were favourites, that team and storm are so far ahead of even 3rd, 4th, 5th.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Spot on Rob. That’s Guth for the Eels for me even though I feel their hooker was greatly missed, Guth is bigger for them.
Joey
Guest
Was raining all game last week v Roosters and Penrith with Cleary, ran riot. This week, often enough Luai was in at dummy-half (ffs). When would you see Cleary in there. He would always be in position one or two passes from the ruck. He was so often out of position, it was like they did nothing during the week about adapting his play to the requirement of the #7. He didn’t take the line on once. Not sure how they ended up winning to be honest.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
It's good to see teams that have a lot of hype about them winning without their best player. This a good example , not the best match you'll ever see but they got the job done. Manly are another example without Trojbovic they are pretty ordinary. The cowboys rode on JT s back for years . It's a good example of having a good system where players s can step up if needed.
JGK
Roar Guru
I enjoyed it very much. Good to see defences busting their nuts too.
Rob
Guest
Amazing isn’t it a bit of water and slippery conditions everything changes with the scoring. Also a quality player missing in a key position and teams don’t look as good. Penrith missing Cleary, Manly missing Turbo, South missing Reynolds, Cowboys missing Morgan and Queensland missing Grant, Ponga or even Morgan over recent times. You can go from very good to middle of the road very quickly. Except the Storm?
Paul
Guest
Ivan keeps repeating the same mistakes, in my opinion. He did go back on moving centre Burton, to halfback. To not to upset the backline too much. That was the right move. Still should only have utility May on the bench. Start an actual half like Hands , at halfback . He’s got more speed , can also play hooker & swap around with Korisau.
Paul
Guest
The Roosters are showing more & more that they can’t win, when they have a list of players unavailable. Whether it’s due to suspension or injury. Their showings against Melbourne & Penrith were horrific! Yet Robinson keeps saying that they’re still a good chance of winning the premiership. I think if most teams are without key play makers, they aren’t their normal selves. With the exception of Melbourne! Saying that, it was just blind luck , that they defeated The Gold Coast.
Wait a minute!
Guest
Well , the other 2 losses weren’t due to injuries. They were due to having 8 & then 5 players unavailable. Due to the SOO & resting them after the SOO. Only last night were the players unavailable, solely due to injury. Where they played the team in 3rd position. That team should surely be able to defeat Penrith without their leader. Yet they couldn’t! So where do you get the ‘flat out to beat any of the other 15 teams’? If Parramatta were in 16th position, you may have something? Otherwise, that comment is pure supposition by yourself.