Penrith Panthers

Panthers triumph over Rabbitohs in grand final re-match

With star playmaker and co-captain Nathan Cleary playing his first match since last year's grand final after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction and James Fisher-Harris and Liam Martin returning from injury, the premiers got off to a flying start and were never headed.

It was a high quality contest but Penrith's scrambling defence repeatedly denied Souths, with fullback Dylan Edwards involved in a number of try-saving tackles.

Panthers overpower 12-man Knights as Barnett marched

Barnett's elbow to the jaw of Panther Chris Smith in the 33rd minute was both late and high and left referee Peter Gough with no option but to march him.

The Knights were leading 6-4 at the time courtesy of Dominic Young's converted try in the 19th minute which answered Taylan May's early strike but the numerical advantage soon told.

Four minutes after Barnett exited, May had a second try thanks to a pinpoint grubber from Izack Tago.

Panthers hang on against gutsy Dragons

Fiji secondrower Viliame Kikau was the star of Penrith's win as he celebrated his 100th match with two tries but St George Illawarra were their own worst enemies as they completed just 10 of 19 sets of possession in the first half.

In addition, second-rower Jaydn Su'A and centre Zac Lomax had stints in the sin-bin as ill discipline proved costly for the home team.

The scores were locked at 6-6 when Su'A was given his marching orders in the first half but the Panthers led 20-6 when he returned.

Dragons v Panthers: Woods injured; Leota out

The Red V didn't have it all their own way in downing the Warriors last week but pulled away at the end while the Panthers looked every bit the grand-final winning outfit despite missing star halfback Nathan Cleary as they easily accounted for fellow heavyweights Manly.

The Dragons enjoyed plenty of positive signs from their emerging young-guns, giving them something to build on into the season, but face a big step up against a Penrith side that were absolutely dominant in round one. 

Panthers start premiership defence in style against Manly

After two early no-tries due to obstruction, Penrith finally made some early dominance count when young centre Izack Tago carried four defenders over the line in the 19th minute.

His centre partner Stephen Crichton crossed in the 31st but with a 12-0 halftime lead in the offing Penrith clocked off for a moment on the stroke of half time and Tom Trbojevic capitalised on some broken play to set up Ethan Bullemor for his first try in Manly colours.

Panthers v Sea Eagles: Cleary gone; Olakau'atu makes surprise return

Penrith's dominance last year was in no small part to the superb form of halfback Nathan Cleary, who was always touch-and-go for round one after off season shoulder surgery but has now been ruled out for a few weeks in a huge blow to Penrith's hopes of starting the season with a bang. 

Manly's own dominance was built off the back of a stunning individual season from Dally M medal winner Tom Trbojevic, who has already been setting up tries for fun through the trials and is out to not just match but improve on an individual season already considered one of the best ever. 

Panthers blindsided with Dogs set to sign Premiership-winning star in 3.2M coup

The Bulldogs have reportedly beaten out the Cowboys and St George Illawarra to secure one of NRL’s best edge forwards on a four-year deal.

The contract is worth around $800,000 per season and eclipsed out the Dragons’ three-year offer., according to The Daily Telegraph.

 

Panthers sack premiership winner Tyrone May over Insta post

May was stood down from all Panthers commitments until “further notice” following a controversial post on Instagram after the grand final.

The post, which was deleted three days later, was investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit.

The Panthers board met last week to discuss the matter before issuing the 25-year-old with a show cause notice.

He fronted the board on Wednesday, where he was sacked.

Panthers set to sack Tyrone May after brain snap of epic proportions

By the time it all shakes out it’s expected the Panthers will tear up May’s $250,000 playing contract next week.

The premiers issued May a show cause notice in relation to the errant grand final social media post on Wednesday and the bench player now has seven days to respond.

In the fair dinkum department, what was May thinking when he decided to go off the reservation and try and play the victim card after Penrith’s brilliant grand final triumph?

Talk about ambition exceeding ability.

‘Need to pull their heads in’: Brandy slams Panthers’ ‘out of line’ grand final celebrations

Firstly Panthers utility Tyrone May was criticised for a social media post that alluded to his sex tape court case.

In another incident Penrith back-rower Viliame Kikau was captured on social media singing the Rabbitohs anthem, Glory, Glory to South Sydney.