'They are too good': 'Fatigued' Titans test Penrith outfit as four peat quest set
A "fatigued" Titans outfit put the three-time reigning premiers to the test as the Panthers farewelled Penrith Park the only way they know how.
Taking to the field after a guard of honour from players of the 'chocolate soldier' era, the Panthers looked set for a smooth sailing contest.
But the atmosphere of the Panthers home ground quickly fell silent as the power of Des Hasler's men was revealed.
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The hosts struck first through Brian To'o, who was selflessly gifted the ball by Dylan Edwards in the seventh minute.
But the Titans attack became one to be feared as the individual brilliance of fullback Jayden Campbell saw the visitors take a two-point lead.
Collecting a loose ball 39 metres out from the line, the 24-year-old made two steady steps to clear three defenders to dart through over the line untouched.
"I think this is the style of the future," Andrew Johns said on Nine.
"Two steps and he just split them," Phil Gould added.
16 tackle breaks to Penrith's seven quickly took it's toll on the Titans attacking presence as Ivan Cleary's men began to regain control of the match.
Brian To'o of the Panthers celebrates with team mates after scoring a try. Getty
The home side struck through Edwards courtesy of the brilliant playmaking of Brad Schneider to extend their lead in the final 40.
Luke Garner followed, crashing down in goal on top of a pinpoint Jarome Luai kick.
"The Panthers have been sharpening their axe," Gould said.
"They are too good... They are just wearing them down."
In the 62nd minute, Gould was left fuming as a Bunker interjection denied Gold Coast's Brian Kelly of four points.
The winger stripped a loose ball from Edwards arms, who slid into goal on his knee to collect a grubber, before planting the ball down under the posts.
But a slowed video replay indicated the ball was knocked on in the process and denied the efforts.
"That's not how our game should be played," Gould declared.
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"That's not how our game should be refereed.
"That's a try in every grade of football any where in the world apart from the NRL."
Despite losing the points, the Titans capitalised on a loose ball as Alofiana Khan-Pereira darted the length of the field to narrow the margin to four.
