NYC Panthers knocked off by Tigers

National Youth Competition Round 7 Result

PENRITH PANTHERS 24
(I Riccardi 2, Z Mackay, J Wilson Tries; H Seijka 4/4 Goals)
Lost to
WESTS TIGERS 40
(D Nofoaluma 2, M Koroibete 2, N Brown, J Luani, B Soe Tries; M Rudolph 6/7 Goals)

The NYC Panthers have suffered just their second loss of 2012 at the hands of the Wests Tigers in a good game of rugby league at Centrebet Stadium on Sunday.

Injuries once again hampered the Panthers - already without captain Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi who was a late withdrawal - as they let the Tiger cubs get out to an early 12-0 lead.

The Tigers had a glut of possession to open the game and could have been ahead by more if not for the Penrith goal-line defence.

In the 26th minute, Penrith five-eighth Toby Evans sent second rower Iain Riccardi through a hole and the Panthers were back in it. Unfortunately front rower Simon Gregory was helped from the field soon after and would not return.

The Tigers then hit back with back to back tries before halftime to wingers David Nofoaluma and Marika Koroibete and held a 24-6 lead at the break.

A try to centre Bradley Soe put the Tigers even further ahead just after halftime before Riccard grabbed his second in the 47th minute and then Zac Mackay scored to give the Panthers hope with 20 minutes left.

The Panthers enjoyed some great field position as they pushed for another try but when Koroibete broke through from a scrum win and raced 35 metres to score - the Tigers were home.

Nofoaluma grabbed his second in the 69th minute and a late consolation try to Jarrod Wilson from a nice Evans offload capped the scoring with the Tigers winners 40-24.

Best for the Panthers were Riccardi, Evans and halfback Harry Seijka who kept at it all afternoon.

A leg injury to centre Tony Satini is also of concern and he was forced from the field in the 55th minute.

Penrith are now 5-2 on the season and will remain in the Top 4 at the representative break.