'Incredible' Panthers start premiership defence with 'rusty' win over Cronulla Sharks
The Penrith Panthers have once again showed their premiership credentials after accounting for the Sharks in Las Vegas.
The defending champions were able to survive a late fightback from Cronulla in the second half to win 28-22.
It was a difficult start for the Panthers, with winger Casey McLean leaving the field for an HIA inside three minutes. McLean did not return.
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Cronulla were then first on the board as Jesse Ramien split the Panthers defence and showed up Luke Garner, a second-rower who was playing in the less familiar position of centre.
Daine Laurie celebrates his try. Getty
In the 26th minute, the Panthers were finally on the board with Isaah Yeo scoring before Izack Tago extended the lead moments later.
Cronulla hit back before half time when Briton Nikora scored to make it 12-10 in favour of the Panthers at the break.
Penrith were fast out of the blocks with Daine Laurie and Paul Alamoti scoring, the latter try saw the ball spread through the hands of Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards, with Andrew Johns making a prediction for the season after the try.
"They are incredible, without doubt they are going to be there again at the end of this year," he said on Nine's coverage.
Cronulla were down 24-10 but refused to give up. Kayal Iro had his first four-pointer in the 58th minute before star recruit Addin Fonua-Blake monstered over Penrith's defence with 10 minutes to go.
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Penrith had the last hurrah when Laurie scored his second before full time to put the result beyond doubt.
"There was a fair bit of rust in their (Penrith's) game, what is still there is hunger, determination and that little bit of resilience," Billy Slater said.
Cleary also described the performance as "rusty" to Nine.
Along with McLean's early exit, Isaiah Papali'i also presented a concern for the Panthers.
He left the field in the 74th minute with a towel over his face, with Nine's Danika Mason describing it as a "laceration to the face". Papali'i didn't return.
