lower grades report

There were some nervous moments for the Panthers in the dying minutes when Zach Dockar-Clay scored under the posts, however Penrith’s defence held on to the six-point lead until full-time.

In Jersey Flegg, the Panthers kicked off their premiership defence with a thrilling comeback win over the Melbourne Storm on Saturday.

The Panthers got off to a strong start, scoring in the 8th minute through Cody Lawson.

Two quick tries for the Storm saw them take a 10-4 lead by the 22nd minute, before Aston Warwick crossed shortly after to reduce the deficit to two.

A penalty for dissent cost the Panthers possession immediately after the try and they were made to pay straight away by Matthew Hill.

Penrith were reduced to 12 shortly before half-time when Warwick was sin binned for his role in a fracas. The Storm capitalised by scoring through Sua Fa’alogo, moving to 22-8 at halftime.

Back-to-back tries for the Panthers through Blake Moore and Liam Ison cut the deficit back to two with 14 minutes to play.

A Storm error gave the Panthers perfect field position with six minutes left, with a penalty from the scrum allowing Ryley Smith to draw level at 22-all.

Another Storm error inside the final four minutes gifted Warwick an opportunity to score the match-winner, taking the result 28-22. Both sides take on South Sydney at BlueBet Stadium in Round 2, with NSW Cup prior to first grade on Thursday, and Jersey Flegg on Saturday.