Penrith have booked a spot in next weekend’s preliminary finals, scoring a massive win over the Bulldogs in front of a big crowd at Accor Stadium.
The defending premiers were at their brilliant best, particularly in the first half, with all the usual suspects standing up and delivering in a big game.
Canterbury’s season on the other hand came to a screeching halt and will no doubt lead to more question marks over their mid-season acquisition of Lachlan Galvin.
PENRITH PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards
Safe at the back and had a hand in several tries as the Panthers moved a step closer to the big dance. Rating: 8
2. Paul Alamoti
Justified his selection ahead of Tom Jenkins, scoring three tries and setting up another, giving the Bulldogs’ wide defence nightmares. Rating: 9
Alamoti completes finals hat-trick
3. Izack Tago
His silky hands set the Panthers’ attack out wide alight time and again in the red zone. Rating: 7.5
4. Casey McLean
Like Tago, carved the fragile Bulldogs defence up out wide, combining superbly with To’o. Rating: 8
5. Brian To’o
Looked very much the best winger in the world with two tries, a try assist and an intercept … as well as over 200 run matres. Rating: 9
6. Blaize Talagi
Content to just catch and pass and let his outside men do all the damage with time and space to move. Rating: 7
7. Nathan Cleary
In a glittering career, he may never have played a better finals game. Scored tries, created tries and kicked impeccably. Rating: 9.5
Nathan Cleary celebrates his try. NRL Photos
8. Moses Leota
The Panthers’ main man up front trampled the Bulldogs pack and came up with some big hits in defence. Rating: 8
22. Mitch Kenny
Made a fine return to the Panthers’ top side, giving good service from dummy-half and creating a try with a clever grubber kick. Rating: 7.5
10. Lindsay Smith
One of the quieter Panthers forwards with the ball but made his presence felt in defence. Rating: 6
11. Scott Sorensen
Also down on his usual attacking game and missed his opposite Jake Preston in the Bulldogs’ first try. Rating: 5.5
12. Liam Martin
Did everything at his usual 100 miles per hour before an injury forced him off in the final five minutes. Rating: 7
Martin forced off with injury
13. Isaah Yeo
Played the perfect link man in attack, topped the tackle count and led the team intelligently. Rating: 8
14. Brad Schneider
Had little impact in his short game time with just one run and a handful of tackles. Rating: 4
15. Liam Henry
Kept the momentum up when he get his chance from the bench. Solid display. Rating: 5.5
16. Isaiah Papali’i
The pick of the Penrith bench men, scoring a try and making over 150 run metres. Rating: 7
17. Luke Garner
Didn’t do much in his half hour of game time, making just three runs. Rating: 4
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CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
1. Connor Tracey
A danger in attack but was caught out badly a couple of times in the last line of defence. Rating: 6
2. Jacob Kiraz
Threatening in attack but gave To’o far too much room to move when the Panthers backline clicked. Rating: 5.5
3. Bronson Xerri
One of the more effective Bulldogs, scoring a try and making a couple of clean line breaks. Rating: 7
Bronson Xerri Getty
4. Matt Burton
In only his second game at left centre this year, got few chances in attack as the Dogs stumbled time and again. Rating: 6
5. Jethro Rinakama
His inexperience showed as he was left flat-footed several times when the Panthers targeted his wing. Rating: 4
6. Lachlan Galvin
The man in the hot seat did well in his new position in a beaten side with a try, two assists and several breaks. Rating: 8
7. Toby Sexton
Very disappointing final game for the Dogs with just two runs for 11 metres and average kicking. Rating: 4
8. Max King
Finished his best season with a solid display but could do nothing to stem the Panthers’ attacking raids. Rating: 6.5
17. Reed Mahoney
Got his big chance back in the starting side but disappointing with just one run out of dummy-half. Rating: 4
Reed Mahoney NRL Images
15. Sitili Tupouniua
Reached triple figures in run metres and also strong in defence. Rating: 6
11. Viliame Kikau
Tried hard but probably not the ideal captain replacement for the injured Stephen Crichton – not a big talker. Rating: 6
12. Jacob Preston
Simply outstanding in a well beaten team – scored a try, set one up, made three line breaks and topped the tackle count. Rating: 9
13. Jaeman Salmon
Made just three runs and missed nine tackles – not good enough in an elimination final. Rating: 3.5
9. Bailey Hayward
Did little better than Mahoney when he got his chance at dummy-half, making a mere three runs. Rating: 4
Josh Curran looks dejected after the loss Getty
10. Josh Curran
Never really got into the game, which was already gone, when he came on from the bench. Rating: 5
14. Kurt Mann
After a great season for the Dogs, was barely sighted when he got his chance as an interchange, such was the Panthers’ domination. Rating: 5
16. Harry Hayes
Tried to lift the attack, but was also found wanting in defence with eight misses as the Panthers ran rampant. Rating: 4.5