The Panthers returned to their scintillating best in a 32-8 thumping of Brisbane Broncos in NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
A phenomenal Panthers performance was led by Nathan Cleary with his try, try assist, 40/20, and six goals from six attempts.
Highlights: Panthers v Broncos
Izack Tago opened the Panthers account off a Cleary kick, then Luron Patea snatched the lead with a try in his first game of 2025.
Cleary handed the Panthers a commanding lead with his try on the stroke of half-time, before Tom Jenkins' second-half double completed an emphatic victory.
The Panthers had their backs against the wall for extended periods of a tight first half, including an opening 10 minutes dominated by Brisbane.
The Broncos opened the scoring when Ben Hunt claimed Adam Reynolds' kick across the face of the goal posts, as another poor start loomed over the Panthers.
A swift response settled the Panthers nerves, with Cleary chipping over the defence for Izack Tago to score an equalising try.
Cleary kicks for Tago try
Cleary put the Panthers ahead with a penalty goal, then kept the Broncos at bay with his kicking game and inspiring effort plays.
Cleary inspires with kick and chase
The Panthers had to defend their red zone for the best part of seven minutes as Brisbane threatened to strike back, and Reynolds eventually settled for a penalty goal to level the scores.
The Panthers defensive efforts were duly rewarded, as their second try came soon after.
Luron Patea made instant impact from the bench in his first game of 2025, wrestling through five goal-line defenders to score a game-changing four-pointer late in the first half.
Luron Patea instant impact
Then, on the stroke of half-time, Nathan Cleary emulated his 2023 grand final heroics against the Broncos.
The halfback drifted left to attack the goal-line defence, before stepping back inside to slice through and slide over under the sticks. Even a triumphant try celebration mirrored his iconic grand final match-winner.
"We've seen that before"
The Panthers hit the sheds with a 20-8 lead, and quickly put the game to bed in the second half.
In an early attacking raid, the quick hands of Blaize Talagi and Luke Garner created space for Tom Jenkins, who exploded through the defence with a burst of speed.
Panthers hit the ground running
Soon after, the Panthers set their sights on Brisbane's right edge again.
A near-identical backline play gave Jenkins another glimpse at the try line, and the Panthers winger completed the move with a spectacular finish.
Jenkins completes double
The Panthers saw out the final 25 minutes with poise and professionalism, coasting to a 32-8 triumph over the Broncos on their own turf.
The Panthers will set their sights on back-to-back victories in Round 10, when they return to Queensland to face the Cowboys on Saturday 10 May.
