Jackson Ford scores a try for Warriors against Penrith. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Even without five State of Origin stars, Penrith Panthers have shown their pursuit of a fifth straight NRL crown is not dead, proving too strong for a disorganised NZ Warriors 28-18 at Go Media Stadium.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who took the Warriors to two Grand Finals as a player and coach, was outraged he could not field his frontline players, after their representative participation at Perth midweek, but he needn't have worried, as their replacements proved more than enough for the home side.
Trailling 8-6 at halftime, the Warriors seemed to take some control of the contest, when second-rower Jacob Laban was first to score after the break, but they left several other chances begging, as their opponent gained the upper hand.
Kiwis second-rower Scott Sorenson had a try double for Penrith and halfback Blaize Talagi probably put the game beyond the Warriors' reach, when he found a wide pathway to the line in the 62nd minute.
The Panthers added another try, when a kick was allowed to bounce, eluding Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and winger Paul Alamoti won the race to score.
The Warriors gained some consolation in the final minute, when centre Moala Graham-Taufa raced away for a try, but it was way too late to change the outcome.
Their fourth loss of the season may see them slip to fourth on the table, if Melbourne Storm can overcome South Sydney Rabbitohs later Saturday.
Penrith have struggled early in their campaign, but their third straight win will propel them into the top eight for now, as they make a run through the second half of their schedule.
Adding injury to insult, the Warriors lost front-rower Marata Niukore to a head wound early and then winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak hobbled off before halftime, leaving them questionable for next week's away fixture against Brisbane Broncos.
Read how the game unfolded with RNZ's live blog:
Team lists
Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Moala Graham Taufa, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris, 9 Wayde Eagan, 10 Marata Niukore, 11 Leka Halasima, 12 Jacob Laban, 13 Erin Clark
Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Tanner Stowers-Smith
Reserves: 18 Sam Healey, 22 Ed Kosi
Panthers: 1 Daine Laurie, 2 Thomas Jenkins, 3 Izack Tago, 4 Casey McLean, 5 Paul Alamoti, 6 Blaize Talagi, 7 Brad Schneider, 8 Moses Leota, 9 Mitch Kenny, 10 Lindsay Smith, 11 Scott Sorenson, 12 Isaiah Papali'i, 13, Matt Eisenhuth
Interchange: 14 Trent Toelau, 15 Liam Henry, 16 Luron Patea, 17 Luke Garner
Reserves: 18 Luke Sommerton, 19 Jack Cole
