Nathan Cleary Shatters Point-Scoring Record for Penrith as Panthers End Losing Streak

The Penrith Panthers have issued a strong message to their rivals, announcing their return to form following a stellar victory over the Roosters that marked the end of a five-match losing streak.

With Ivan Cleary positioned on the sideline instead of the usual coaching box, the defending champions displayed a renewed energy at Allianz Stadium.

Facing the team that initially ignited their winless spell, the Panthers demonstrated there is still plenty of fight left in them.

“It was a fantastic performance; back to the Penrith we know,” Kevin Walters commented on Fox League.

The Roosters started strong, with a remarkable flick pass from Mark Nawaqanitawase enabling Daniel Tupou to score in the corner.

However, disappointment struck the Tricolours in the ninth minute as Nat Butcher was forced off with a medial injury.

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Paul Alamoti then brought the scores level with a try from a well-executed play.

With momentum shifting in their favour, the Panthers made a series of uncharacteristic errors, leading to Isaiah Papali’i being put on report for high contact.

In the final minutes, Dylan Edwards attempted a peculiar backward pass inside his own half, which bobbled around before Mitch Kenny managed to recover it on the 10-metre line.

Despite the hiccups, the Panthers went into half-time in the lead as Alamoti scored a second try from a play similar to his first.

Emerging from the break, the Panthers found themselves a player down after Luke Garner failed an HIA test, yet they were quick to respond, with Mitch Kenny kicking through for Papali’i to score his first try for the club, shortly after Nathan Cleary added a penalty goal to the scoreboard.

The Roosters stayed in the contest when Robert Toia crossed for a try in the 57th minute, narrowing the score to 20-12.

Despite this setback, the Panthers dominated the remainder of the match.

Blaize Talagi, Dylan Edwards, and Casey McLean each added tries before Paul Alamoti capped off the night with a penalty goal, finishing the game at 40-12.

In the midst of the celebrations, Nathan Cleary made history by surpassing Ryan Girdler to become the highest points scorer in Penrith’s history.