With nine minutes left, down by two points and defending their own try-line, Raiders centre Matt Timoko intercepted a Jarome Luai pass and handed it to Xavier Savage to sprint the length of the field. The GIO Stadium faithful could scarcely believe this was the same Canberra side that capitulated so meekly in their 42-4 loss to North Queensland last time out.
With their unlikely victory over the triple-reigning premiers, the Raiders pulled level on points with Brisbane and the Dolphins (26) and two short of St George Illawarra in eighth place on the ladder.
After Canberra coach Ricky Stuart slammed his players for being “spoilt” the week prior, Savage played like he had a point to prove. As winds swirled above, Jamal Fogarty tormented Brian To’o with his howitzer of a right boot. The Panthers winger just managed to hang onto Fogarty’s first two volleys but on his third effort Savage snatched a high ball above To’o, who misjudged the flight of the bomb and leaped too late. Savage spun away and sped past Casey McLean before reaching out a long right arm to plant the ball in the corner.
Slow starts have become an unhealthy habit for Penrith, conceding first points for the fourth game in a row. But they hit back through hooker Luke Sommerton and Daine Laurie either side of a Kaeo Weekes four-pointer for the hosts, to go into the interval with a 12-10 lead.
After James Fisher-Harris crashed over in the second half it looked like the Panthers would show their class and hold on. But a try to winger Albert Hopoate and Savage’s runaway four-pointer sealed a memorable upset for the Green Machine.
Penrith never looked fluent without Cleary, who has been ruled out of the rest of the home-and-away season with a shoulder injury. Stand-in halfback Brad Schneider never looked fully at ease and left the bulk of the playmaking to halves partner Jarome Luai.
Prop Joe Tapine was a standout for the Raiders, running for 129 metres with the ball and creating two line-break assists with his dangerous offloads. With their second straight loss, the Panthers risk dropping out of the top four with Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters nipping at their heels.
The Raiders' Comeback Victory
The Raiders' win was a testament to their resilience and determination. They were outplayed for much of the game but they never gave up hope. Savage's try was a moment of magic that turned the tide of the match.
The Raiders' win was also a huge boost for their finals hopes. They are now just two points outside the top eight with two games remaining. They will need to win both of those games to make the finals, but they have shown that they are capable of beating any team on their day.
The Panthers' Struggle Without Cleary
The Panthers' loss was a major setback for their premiership aspirations. They were already struggling without Mitch Kenny, who was suspended for a high tackle in their previous game. The loss of Cleary only made things worse.
The Panthers looked lost without Cleary's direction and composure. Luai struggled to fill the void and the Panthers' attack was predictable and ineffective. The Panthers will need to find a way to win without Cleary if they want to make a deep run in the finals.
Looking Ahead
The Raiders will be looking to build on their win over the Panthers when they face the Roosters in Round 26. The Roosters are a formidable opponent, but the Raiders will be confident after their performance against the Panthers. The Panthers, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back from their loss to the Raiders when they face the Dragons in Round 26. The Dragons are a struggling team, but the Panthers will need to be at their best to secure a win.
The Raiders' win over the Panthers was a major upset and it has thrown the NRL finals race wide open. The Raiders are now a genuine contender for a top eight spot and the Panthers are in danger of losing their grip on a top four position. The next two weeks will be crucial for both teams as they look to secure their place in the finals.
