'Incredible' Nathan Cleary moment sums up 'flawless' demolition as Panthers book prelim final spot
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Penrith showed why they are the reigning three-time premiership winners as they sent a warning to future rivals, defeating a stunned Roosters outfit 30-10 defeat.
In his much-anticipated return, Nathan Cleary orchestrated a "flawless" performance across the line to push the Panthers one step closer to their fifth straight prelim final.
And it was the heroics of the club's halfback that proved the strength of Penrith's defence as the side was put to their first test by Connor Watson.
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The versatile Roosters star charged down a kick and look certain to score with no defenders in front of him, but was denied four points by a chasing Penrith cover defence, with Cleary first to wrap his arms around the lock.
"That was incredible to see the black jumpers running back," Mat Thompson said.
"No one is there for the Roosters," Andrew Johns added.
Nathan Cleary chases Connor Watson. Nine
Earlier keeping pace with the clock, the Panthers darted over for four early tries to force Roosters coach Trent Robinson to look to his bench.
A rare error by Daniel Tupou gifted Brian To'o the first points as the Roosters star dropped a bomb kick cold and allowed the hosts to extend their field position.
"They have put to bed a few question marks," Cameron Smith said of Penrith's attack.
Izack Tago followed, collecting a fortuitous bounce from a Cleary bomb to find the line.
Back-to-back errors by the Roosters saw Penrith pounce back in attack as Jarome Luai and Luke Garner catch the opposition defence napping and extend the lead to 22.
"This is absolute dominance, the Roosters are barely clinging on," Thompson said.
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"This is as good of an 18 minutes of football that we have seen this year from any team ... it has not stopped," Smith added.
"This is why they are regarded by many as the best defence team in the competition."
Roosters players look on after conceding a try. Getty
Penrith's "ill discipline" gave the Roosters exactly what they needed to start the final 40 as Joseph Suaalii and James Tedesco muscled over the line.
But just as Robinson's men began to build momentum, the errors returned and Penrith regained control, with Garner's second try putting the icing on the cake.
"They've been really brave in this second half the Roosters," said Johns.
