The Penrith Panthers were left reeling last night after a dramatic 14-12 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos, marking their third loss in four matches. Fans watched in disbelief as the reigning powerhouse struggled to contain Brisbane’s resurgence, with Reece Walsh delivering a masterclass performance that sealed the upset.
Despite the defeat, coach Ivan Cleary praised his side’s resilience, noting that the Panthers “didn’t panic” even when possession slipped to just 37% in the second half. Still, the loss raises questions about Penrith’s consistency as the finals loom.
Walsh’s dazzling cut-out pass to Josiah Karapani for the match-winning try electrified the crowd, while his sideline conversion proved the difference. For Brisbane, the victory snapped an eight-game losing streak and reignited slim finals hopes.