A brave Panthers performance went unrewarded in their 16-6 loss to the Illawarra Steelers at BEST Hub on Saturday.
Facing the unbeaten ladder-leaders at home, the injury-hit Panthers had Illawarra on the ropes for long stretches of play. Claudia Bush snatched the lead for Penrith in the second half, but the Steelers finished strongly to make it four wins from four in 2025.
Despite losing, the Panthers showed plenty of character to hold high-flying Illawarra to their lowest score and equal-smallest winning margin this season.
Claudia Bush was impressive once again as her solo try and conversion put the Panthers ahead at a key moment.
A second consecutive defeat brings a halt to the Panthers impressive start to their inaugural NSW Women's Premiership season.
The Panthers won their opening game against Central Coast Roosters and drew with South Sydney Rabbitohs, before losing to Cronulla Sharks and now Illawarra Steelers.
Coach Karen Stuart and her team now turn their attention to Penrith's first local derby. The Panthers face Parramatta Eels in Round 5 at Kellyville Park on Sunday 3 August at 12pm.
FULL-TIME: Steelers 16 def. Panthers 6
Tries: Claudia Bush (37')
Goals: Claudia Bush (1/2)
Line-Up: 1. Brooke Wilkins, 2. Jacinta Tui, 3. Julie Tauafao, 4. Natalia Webb, 5. Dejah Tuliau, 6. Claudia Bush, 7. Chloe Pallisier, 8. Kahu Cassidy (c), 9. Matilda Vella, 10. Oriana Epati, 11. Abbie Grant, 12. Loreen Luamanuvae, 13. Harmony Covacich
Bench: 14. Emily Eden, 15. Jae Patu, 16. Naomi De Bruine, 17. Ruthie Aunei-Mose, 18. Tehillah Rose Vaeluaga
