The Penrith Panthers have set up a blockbuster qualifying final clash with the Sydney Roosters next Sunday by defeating the Wests Tigers 38-10 at CommBank Stadium.
The result also saw Penrith claim its sixth minor premiership, meaning the second-placed New Zealand Warriors will host finals debutants the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium on Saturday.
The draw bodes well for the Panthers, who have won 12 of their last 14 encounters with the Roosters and also have a 4-1 overall record in play-off matches stretching back to 2003.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
MATCH CENTRE: Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers live scores, videos, teams
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
As for the Dolphins, they will take heart from the fact that they have won three of their last four against the Wahs – although the average winning margin across these fixtures has been only 2.5 points. Talk about your tight games!
Meanwhile, at the other end of the eight, the Rabbitohs do battle with the Knights at Allianz Stadium in Friday’s elimination final, while the fifth-placed Sharks host the eighth-placed Cowboys at the same venue in the second sudden-death fixture.
Panthers Pounce at Critical Time
After the Panthers lost five of their eight clashes between rounds 16 and 24, some critics speculated that their dynasty was on its last legs. After their latest performance, nothing could be further from the truth.
Ivan Cleary’s side started strongly and led 26-0 after 32 minutes and, while the Tigers managed two tries early in the second half, they never threatened a Panthers team determined to honour the memory of former player John Farragher, who passed away in November 2025.
As always, Nathan Cleary was in the thick of the action, contributing 10 points and playing a part in three tries. Winger Casey McLean was also elite, scoring a hat-trick, while representative forward Liam Martin also finished with two line breaks and a try assist. Then there was co-captain Isaah Yeo, who performed a minor miracle by returning from a pectoral injury after missing just three matches.
The Milkman Delivers
Shout out to Panthers winger Thomas ‘Milky’ Jenkins whose first-half double ensured he finished the regular season as the equal leading tryscorer with South Sydney’s Alex Johnston (30 tries). He could have claimed the Ken Irvine Medal outright had fullback Dylan Edwards passed left to the unmarked winger rather than crossing himself in the 33rd minute.
Brown and White Dynamite
Not only did the Panthers play with great style on Sunday, but they also looked the part thanks to a special 1978-style retro jersey. The shirts were a tribute to the inspirational Farragher, who donned the strip in seven first-grade matches before being rendered a quadriplegic by a collapsed scrum in May 1978. The jersey also featured Farragher’s cap number (143), while the Gilgandra product also featured on Penrith’s team sheet. A Panther till the very end, Farragher was the club’s doorman for over 40 years post-injury, and also sat on their board until he passed away aged 68.
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Broncos’ blunder that could haunt Madge; Roosters’ fresh headache
‘NO MORE TITANS’: Departing star’s partner takes huge Gold Coast swipe
‘GOT WHAT WE DESERVED’: Moses, coach rip into Eels with huge ‘s*** attitude’ spray
STAT ATTACK VIA FOX SPORTS LAB
Panthers secure fourth minor Premiership from seven set restart seasons. Three straight wins to finish the season – they will play the Roosters next Sunday.
Since last making the finals in 2011, Wests have now won just 2 of their 15 matches to finish a season – losing their last nine in a row.
Penrith have won 7 of their last 8 games against Wests, scoring 106 points to 10 this season.
Penrith dominated the match with 54 percent possession, 11 linebreaks to 6 and running for over 300 more metres.
Isaiah Papali’i was placed on report for a hip drop tackle late in the match. Two unrelated charges in the past 12 months.
Tom Jenkins scored his 13th double of the season to take his tally to 30 for the season, equal with Alex Johnston. He is only the 4th player in history to score 30 tries in a year behind Dave Brown, Ray Preston and Johnston (3 times).
Fox Lab POTM – Casey McLean tormented the Tigers defence, with his first career hattrick. He had a hand in two other tries and ran for 163 metres, busting eight tackles. He was placed on report late in the match for dangerous contact – one unrelated charge in the past 12 months.
Catch all the action below in our live blog, if you can’t see it click here!