Panthers Fend Off Eels’ Comeback to Reclaim Spot in Winner’s Circle
The Penrith Panthers have surged back into fourth on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder, holding off a spirited second-half fightback from the Parramatta Eels to clinch a 42-28 victory at CommBank Stadium this afternoon.
Penrith appeared to be cruising with a commanding 30-4 half-time lead and stretched it to 36-10 early in the second stanza. However, a burst of three unanswered tries from the Eels brought the contest back to life, closing the gap to just eight points at 36-28 with ample time remaining.
It was a moment of composure from Trent Toelau—delivering his third try assist of the afternoon—that finally sealed the result for Penrith. His pinpoint kick set up Lufusi Tapaatoutai with just two minutes left to secure the win in this fierce Western Sydney rivalry.
Fast Start for Eels, Swift Response from Panthers
The visitors opened the scoring in the sixth minute through winger Jake Tago, giving the Eels an early 4-0 advantage.
But Penrith wasted no time responding. A misjudged Toelau cross-field kick led to a try for lock Billy Phillips—his first at NSW Cup level—pushing Penrith ahead 6-4 after 12 minutes.
The Panthers extended their lead when Sam Lane collected another Toelau kick and linked with debutant Jack Attard, who finished under the posts. With Paul Alamoti converting, the score moved to 12-4 midway through the first half.
Toelau then crossed himself following a damaging Alamoti break, before David Fale and Attard combined for the latter’s second try. A freakish bounce from a Toelau 40/20 attempt on the stroke of halftime gifted Riley Price a try under the posts, giving Penrith a dominant 30-4 buffer.
Eels Spark Life in Second Half
Parramatta came out firing after the break, with Joey Lussick muscling over from close range. But Toelau soon broke through again to set up Fale and restore Penrith’s 26-point lead.
Still, the Eels refused to roll over. Will Latu sliced through the defense before finding Brendan Hands in support. Tries to Matt Doorey and Araz Nanva soon followed, bringing Parramatta back within striking distance at 36-28.
But the Panthers held firm in defense before Toelau’s final touch of class put the game out of reach. Tapaatoutai’s maiden NSW Cup try, converted by Alamoti—who was perfect with the boot, slotting seven from seven—sealed the 42-28 result.
Match Highlights & Talking Points
The win lifts Penrith to fourth, overtaking the Newtown Jets.
Jack Attard impressed on debut, scoring two tries at fullback after Daine Laurie’s late withdrawal.
Parramatta’s Wiremu Greig was placed on report for a high shot that sidelined Preston Riki for the rest of the game.
Paul Alamoti’s flawless goal-kicking proved crucial in Penrith’s victory.
Turning Point
A bizarre bounce from Toelau’s attempted 40/20 just before halftime turned into a pivotal moment, leading to a bonus try for Riley Price. The Panthers went into the sheds with a 30-4 lead that ultimately proved too steep for the Eels to climb.
What’s Next?
Penrith will look to settle the score from Round Five when they face the North Sydney Bears next Sunday at North Sydney Oval. Meanwhile, Parramatta will aim to rebound against the Sydney Roosters at Kellyville Oval.