A Matt Burton masterclass has led Penrith to a 20-14 NRL win over the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
The Panthers five-eighth scored two tries and kicked four goals in a starring display to make light of Nathan Cleary’s continued absence due to a shoulder injury.
In addition to his 16 points, Burton ended the game with 173 running metres, three linebreaks and six tackle busts as the Panthers won their fourth-straight game against the Roosters.
Burton’s big evening in Brisbane began in the 11th minute when a bullet pass by Viliame Kikau set him free from inside the Panthers’ 20m.
The 21-year-old surged past Sam Walker and then left Roosters captain James Tedesco grasping thin air with a step inside before sprinting to the line.
A crash play by Victor Radley levelled the scores before some ill-discipline hurt the Roosters.
Firstly, the Panthers regained the lead when Walker was pinged for an escort penalty on Kikau after Penrith successfully challenged a knock-on decision, with Burton converting the two points.
Veteran forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves came off the bench and immediately got into a bit of push-and-shove with Panthers hooker Api Koroisau.
Four minutes later Waerea-Hargreaves was sent to the sin-bin after a series of ruck infringements by the Roosters, with the Panthers scoring almost immediately via Paul Momirovski.
Trent Robinson’s team had Angus Crichton and Egan Butcher placed on report in a first half where the penalty count ended 6-1 against the Roosters.
More Burton brilliance extended the Panthers’ advantage early in the second half, with the No.6 again getting the better of Tedesco to score his second try of the game.
Back-to-back tries by Roosters wingers Joseph Manu and Daniel Tupou closed the margin to six points as the Tricolours refused to go away.
With the match in the balance and the Roosters hunting a try in the dying minutes, Charlie Staines came up big for the Panthers with a shot on Adam Keighran that knocked the ball loose and allowed Penrith to secure a vital win.
Defeat ends a four-match winning run for the Roosters and leaves them outside the top four before Friday’s clash with Brisbane.
Penrith had Queensland State of Origin representative Kurt Capewell placed on report for a dangerous tackle early in the game.
kk
Roar Pro
I've probably come to expect too much from the current squad.
mushi
Roar Guru
Bit harsh on wishful thinking. It was a close game, couple of Burton moments the difference. But they're only a lightning in a bottle shot at seasons end. Still I'm happy with the club. Still ensconced in the top half after losing what 5 rep players and then a slew of replacements.
kk
Roar Pro
The game left me wondering about Easts immediate future.I tipped Easts which proved to be wishful thinking, but drew great relief knowing that Bulldog Burton is heading for Belmore. Penrith at full strength (including Pangai) appear to be the best chance of upsetting a Storm premiership. Souths need to eliminate their lapses to go the distance. Latrell can't be expected to do everything.