The four-point margin replicates their winning margin over the Rabbitohs from earlier in the season but importantly allows the Panthers to maintain their chase for fourth spot, drawing level with the Newtown Jets.
Two early tries to the Rabbitohs in the opening five minutes, through winger Declan Casey and Ashton Ward from consecutive sets stunned the hosts, leading 10-0. But the Panthers replied with a try to makeshift centre Harrison Hassett from a cross-field Zac Lamont kick to trail 10-6 after 11 minutes.
It didn’t take long for the Panthers to soon hit the lead, taking advantage of several six-agains inside Souths’ 20 when hooker Luke Sommerton went himself from dummy-half to score next to the posts in the 15th minute.
But in keeping with the topsy-turvy start to the game, a Penrith error from the kick-off gifted South Sydney a prime attacking opportunity which they duly converted when lock forward Shaquai Mitchell crashed over next to the posts from close range, to help Souths regain a 16-12 lead after 20 minutes.
A Jack Cole 40/20 paid instant dividends for the Panthers as they levelled the scores through a quick shift lift providing an overlap for Asu Kepaoa to score in the northwest corner in the 23rd minute, with Cole unable to convert from the western sideline.
Another South Sydney error from the kick, followed by a six-again and penalty, allowed the Panthers to take the lead for the second time in the half when prop Riley Price broke the line and somehow found his way to the try-line to score next to the posts, giving the home side a 22-16 lead after 29 minutes.
A Rabbitohs error this time in possession inside their own half, was punished by the Panthers with centre David Fale swooping on the loose ball and streaking 30m to score out wide and give the home side the biggest lead of the game, 28-16 four minutes out from the main break.
A penalty goal from Cole after the siren, gave the Panthers a handy 30-16 lead to conclude a high-scoring first half.
The Rabbitohs found their way back into the game after Panthers prop Austin Dias was sent to the sin bin in the opening set of the second half for dissent. South Sydney scored in the 49th minute through interchange forward Tayson Fakaosi, who was too strong for Zac Lamont to handle one-on-one close to the try-line, and with Ashton Ward’s successful conversion the Rabbitohs trailed 30-22.
The Rabbitohs set up a grandstand finish when a quick shift right in the Panthers’ 20 ended with winger Declan Casey reaching out to score his second try of the night, this time in the northeast corner, to trail 30-26 with nine minutes remaining.
Despite some late attacking opportunities for the visitors in the closing minutes, the Panthers showed just enough in defence to hang on for an important 30-26 win after being held scoreless in the second half, to maintain their hold on a top-five spot.
Talking points
- Souths’ star recruit Brandon Smith was named earlier in the week to make his first appearance tonight, but was withdrawn from the side.
- Rabbitohs back-rower Jacob Host was also a notable absentee from tonight’s side, as was Jayden Sullivan (injured).
- The Panthers came into this game in fifth position with Daine Laurie, Paul Alamoti, Brad Schneider and Matt Eisenhuth unavailable, as potential cover for their NRL teammates taking part in the upcoming Origin decider.
- Panthers’ Jesse McLean earned a reprieve being called back into the side following last week’s demotion to Jersey Flegg.
- South Sydney prop Sean Keppie was put on report late in the first half, while Penrith prop Austin Dias was sin-binned for dissent in the opening set of the second half.