Cleary’s Command: Panthers Dominant as Sharks Get Shut Out

Match Report: Cleary reigns supreme as Panthers shut out Sharks

Panthers reclaim top spot with comprehensive win

The Penrith Panthers have reclaimed their position at the top of the NRL ladder with a dominant 28-0 victory over the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night. The win comes after the Brisbane Broncos briefly claimed the top spot with a win over the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night. However, the defending champions, the Panthers, showed their strength and put themselves in the driver’s seat for their third minor premiership in four years.

Early lead and injuries hamper the Sharks

The Panthers wasted no time in taking the lead, with Nathan Cleary’s kick rebounding to Scott Sorensen, who then found Jarome Luai for the opening try. The Sharks suffered a major setback when fullback Will Kennedy was forced off with a hamstring injury early in the game. Despite this, they managed to keep the Panthers at bay until the 21st minute when Cleary’s kick set up a try for Isaah Yeo, putting the home side ahead 12-0.

Cleary’s masterful kicking and Panthers’ defensive prowess

Nathan Cleary’s kicking game was on full display throughout the match, with two 40-20 kicks and three forced dropouts. The Panthers capitalized on the field position created by these kicks, scoring tries off the back of Cleary’s precision. Brian To’o, who has been in scintillating form in this year’s Origin series, scored his 12th try of the season thanks to a quick shift to the right.

A record-breaking performance and defensive dominance

The Sharks had a difficult time cracking the Panthers’ rock-solid defense, which has been the best in the NRL this season, conceding just 12.4 points per game in 2023. Panthers lock James Fisher-Harris was a standout performer, making 143 meters from 19 runs. Meanwhile, Sharks lock Cameron McInnes put in a Herculean effort, making a record-breaking 81 tackles, breaking the NRL record for most tackles in a match.

Coach reactions and reflections

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary praised his team’s defensive effort, expressing satisfaction with their first shutout victory of the season. He highlighted the team’s focus on defense in training and emphasized its importance in their game plan. However, he also acknowledged that there were areas to improve offensively.

On the other hand, Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon acknowledged that his team had a tough night, especially with so many things going against them, including injuries and defending for extended periods. He lauded his players’ effort and heart but noted that they didn’t execute the fundamentals of the game, resulting in the 28-0 loss.

What’s next for the Panthers and Sharks

The Panthers will face a massive Friday night showdown at home against the Melbourne Storm in Round 23, a clash that could have implications for the top spot on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Sharks will have to regroup and travel to Perth to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the team that knocked them out of last year’s finals race.

Overall, the Panthers’ dominant performance against the Sharks showcased their status as one of the NRL’s top teams. With their defensive solidity, kicking prowess, and offensive firepower, they are well-positioned to contend for another premiership. The Sharks, on the other hand, will need to address their discipline and execution issues if they want to secure a spot in the top eight and make a strong finals push.