The Panthers unbeaten start to their first NSW Women's Premiership season ended with a 32-10 defeat to Cronulla at Sharks Stadium on Saturday.
Karen Stuart's team enjoyed an encouraging start to life in 2025, defeating Central Coast Roosters in their inaugural game and then drawing with South Sydney Rabbitohs at home.
However a poor start to their Round 3 match proved costly, as the Panthers fell to an 18-0 deficit after just 12 minutes.
The Panthers were hit by further setbacks, suffering two first-half injuries. Winger Abigayle Sekitoga went down with a leg injury, before five-eighth Jade Elford left the field when she was hit late by a Sharks defender.
Penrith showed great resolve to halt Cronulla's momentum and stay in the contest, but had to wait until the second half for their first points.
The Panthers opened their account in the 40th minute when captain Kahu Cassidy played a clever short pass to Loreen Luamanuvae, who powered through a gap to score her first Panthers try.
Claudia Bush's conversion narrowed the margin to 12 points with 30 minutes remaining, but errors cost the Panthers in their pursuit of a comeback.
Cronulla punished the Panthers with clinical attack in the final 20 minutes, scoring three tries to take their tally to 32 points.
The Panthers finished on a strong note, as Claudia Bush and Dejah Tuliau combined on the shortside to hand Jacinta Tui a late try.
The Panthers also celebrated debuts for both Matilda Vella and Erin Gunton, who each came from the bench for their first appearance.
The Panthers will aim to bounce back in Round 4 when they face Illawarra Steelers at home ground BEST Hub on Saturday 26 July at 2pm.
FULL-TIME: Sharks 32 def. Panthers 10
Tries: Loreen Luamanuvae (40'), Jacinta Tui (69')
Goals: Claudia Bush (1/2)
Line-Up: 1. Brooke Wilkins, 2. Jacinta Tui, 3. Dejah Tuliau, 4. Natalia Webb, 5. Abigayle Sekitoga, 6. Jade Elford, 7. Claudia Bush, 8. Danica Talitonu, 9. Emily Eden, 10. Oriana Epati, 11. Abbie Grant, 12. Harmony Covacich, 13. Kahu Cassidy (c)
Bench: 14. Matilda Vella, 15. Erin Gunton, 16. Loreen Luamanuvae, 17. Jae Patu, 18. Ruthie Aunei
