The Penrith Panthers faced a tough match against the North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium, ultimately losing 22-18. This game marked a significant milestone for Isaah Yeo, who became the first player in Panthers history to reach 250 games. Despite his historic achievement, Yeo was unable to enjoy a victorious conclusion to the match.
The Panthers initially showed resilience, trading scores in a competitive first half. Murray Taulagi put the Cowboys on the board first in the 6th minute. However, fueled by applause from the fans honoring Yeo’s milestone, Penrith responded with a sensational try, orchestrated by Yeo and Nathan Cleary, leading to a score by Tom Jenkins, followed by a try from Izack Tago that gave them a 12-6 lead.
Though the Cowboys were temporarily disadvantaged after hooker Reece Robson was sin-binned, they managed to level the scores with a try from Viliami Vailea in his absence. The first half ended positively for the Panthers as Luke Garner scored right before halftime, putting them up 18-12.
The second half, however, took a turn as the Cowboys dominated, scoring two unanswered tries from Jaxon Purdue and Murray Taulagi, securing their victory. The Panthers struggled to find offensive momentum in the latter stages of the game, with their best chance coming late when Paul Alamoti nearly scored, only to have his foot touch the sideline.
Despite the loss, the Panthers showcase their fighting spirit and played commendable defense, particularly Yeo’s pivotal role throughout the match. The upcoming Round 6 match against the Dolphins in Brisbane presents a new opportunity for the Panthers to bounce back and re-establish their standing in the league.
This match highlights not only Yeo’s personal achievement but also the areas the Panthers can improve upon as they aim to regain their winning form. Fans remain hopeful for the team’s potential in the season ahead.
Leave a comment