Penrith outlasted the One New Zealand Warriors to seal a 24-14 victory in today’s 13th-round New South Wales Cup match at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.
After a loss and a draw in their last two matches on the road, the Warriors were looking to bounce back into winning form at home.
When they led 10-4 through tries to winger Ali Leiataua and standoff Ben Farr they were heading in the right direction but the Panthers responded with two tries late in the first half to take a 14-10 advantage into halftime.
Penrith they extended to 24-10 in the third quarter before the One New Zealand Warriors closed to 14-24 with a try to centre Viliami Vailea.
With 17 minutes left there was time for the Warriors to close the margin further but the Panthers closed the contest out for a 10-point victory.
Despite the defeat the Warriors didn’t lose ground on the ladder with both competition leader North Sydney and second-placed Newtown also losing.
Match details
Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland
One New Zealand Warriors 14 (Ali Leiataua, Ben Farr, Viliami Vailea tries; Ronald Volkman conversion).
Penrith Panthers 24 (Jesse McLean 2, Luke Sommerton, Matt Stimson, Daeon Amituanai tries; Kurt Falls 2 conversions).
Halftime: 14-10 Panthers.
One New Zealand Warriors | Taine Tuaupiki; Moala Graham-Taufa, Viliami Vailea, Brayden Viliami, Setu Tu; Ben Farr, Ronald Volkman; Zyon Maiu’u, Maia Sands, James Gavet; Kalani Going (c), Demitric Sifakula; Leka Halasima. Interchange: Nick Halalilo, Eiden Ackland, Solomon Vasuvulagi, Jacob Laban.
