The Penrith Panthers remain undefeated in 2026, conquering the Eels in a 48-20 win.
Fullback Dylan Edwards once again played a key role in the yardage battle, finishing with 154 run metres from 19 carries and 44 post-contact metres in another high-work-rate performance at the back.
Outside backs Casey McLean and Thomas Jenkins were standout contributors. McLean led the game with 203 run metres from 16 runs, along with 58 post-contact metres, six tackle breaks, a line break, a try and two try assists in a dominant all-round display. Jenkins continued his strong form with 196 run metres from 17 carries, 46 post-contact metres, five tackle breaks and two line breaks, crossing for a double in an impressive outing.
Through the middle, Isaiah Papali’i was tireless in defence with a team-high 34 tackles, while also adding 128 run metres, 47 post-contact metres, four tackle breaks, a line break and a try. Liam Martin (121 metres, 57 post-contact metres, four tackle breaks, 23 tackles) and Isaah Yeo (105 metres, 21 tackles, four tackle breaks and a try) were again influential.
Billy Phillips (123 metres, 49 post-contact metres, 23 tackles) and Lindsay Smith (111 metres, 40 post-contact metres, 24 tackles and a try) added strong support through the middle.
Nathan Cleary steered the side with control, producing 407 kicking metres and four try assists, while maintaining a perfect record off the tee, converting 8 from 8 goals to cap off another clinical Panthers performance.
Panthers v Eels - Round 4, 2026
TACKLES
- Isaiah Papali'i: 34
- Lindsay Smith: 24
- Liam Martin: 23
- Billy Phillips: 23
- Isaah Yeo: 21
Reminder: McLean has serious wheels
RUN METRES
- Casey McLean: 203m (16 runs)
- Thomas Jenkins: 196m (17 runs)
- Dylan Edwards: 154m (19 runs)
- Isaiah Papali'i: 128m (15 runs)
- Billy Phillips: 123m (14 runs)
- Liam Martin: 121m (13 runs)
- Lindsay Smith: 111m (11 runs)
- Isaah Yeo: 105m (11 runs)
Jim Beam Team Song: Round 4
POST-CONTACT METRES
- Casey McLean: 58m
- Liam Martin: 57m
- Billy Phillips: 49m
- Isaiah Papali'i: 47m
- Thomas Jenkins: 46m
- Dylan Edwards: 44m
- Linsday Smith: 40m
- Brian To'o: 38m
Papali'i too strong
TACKLE BREAKS
- Casey McLean: 6
- Tom Jenkins: 5
- Moses Leota: 5
- Isaiah Papali'i: 4
- Liam Martin: 4
- Isaah Yeo: 4
- Dylan Edwards: 3
- Luke Garner: 3
- Nathan Cleary: 3
- Brian To'o: 2
- Billy Phillips: 2
- Paul Alamoti: 2
- Freddy Lussick: 2
LINE BREAKS
- Tom Jenkins: 2
- Casey McLean: 1
- Isaiah Papali'i: 1
- Isaah Yeo: 1
Yeo powers over the line
TRIES
- 1 Isaah Yeo
- 1 Isaiah Papali'i
- 1 Blaize Talagi
- 1 Lindsay Smith
- 1 Casey McLean
- 1 Paul Alamoti
- 2 Thomas Jenkins
Ice cold Jenkins
TRY ASSISTS
- Nathan Cleary: 4
- Casey McLean: 2
- Mitch Kenny: 1
- Thomas Jenkins: 1
Smith pounces on the rebound
GOALS
- Nathan Cleary: 8/8
KICKING METRES:
- Nathan Cleary: 407m