‘Almost cruel’: Cleary fires Origin warning in 68-0 onslaught
Penrith produced an “almost cruel” 68-0 masterclass against a dismal Wests Tigers outfit on Sunday afternoon, scoring six unanswered tries as Nathan Cleary sent a massive warning shot to the Maroons ahead of the next State of Origin game.
The powerhouse Panthers wasted little time getting on the board, taking full advantage of the Tigers’ mistakes when centre Paul Alamoti raced past Jarome Luai to score the opening try just six minutes in at CommBank Stadium.
Paul Alamoti scores a try against the Tigers. Getty
After sitting out for a rest last week following the Origin opener, Cleary made his mark when he spotted a gap in a flimsy defensive line to burrow over and score.
Freddy Lussick and Tom Jenkins joined the party before Cleary opened the Tigers up again, splitting through the middle and linking up with Isaah Yeo to score.
“It’s almost cruel this,” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.
“It is an example of absolute excellence from Penrith and the Tigers, I don’t say this lightly, are the victims of what is going on.”
NRL legend Cooper Cronk couldn’t help but be in awe of what he was watching.
“Standing ovation from us in the commentary box - this is a masterclass. They are playing lights out at the moment,” Cronk said.
The whopping 36-0 scoreline at the break was the biggest half-time margin of the season and the biggest for Penrith since 2010.
Cleary had one try, one try assist, two linebreaks and 95 run metres at the break, which will no doubt send shivers through the spines of Queensland fans.
As they ran off the field, Tigers players copped some boos from their own fans after a horrific and one-sided half, which saw them only register 37 per cent of possession and make five errors, most of which came in their own end.
“It looks like they have given up,” Luke Keary said on Fox at the break.
Jarome Luai reacts during the Tigers' loss. Getty
Cleary continued his silky performance in the second half with a freakish banana kick try assist for To’o as the premiership favourites flexed their muscle.
“He’s literally been toying with them,” Cronk said on commentary.
Penrith brought up a half-century with more than 20 minutes remaining in the clash when Izack Tago scored, continuing the ambush.
Cleary was given an early shower when the Panthers took their lead beyond 60 points when Jenkins scored his 20th try in 14 matches this year.
The one concern for Penrith however was young gun Casey McLean, who limped off the field early in the second half with an ankle injury.
