Things couldn’t get any tighter – or controversial – in the Sharks-Panthers clash at Remondis Stadium in Round 21 last season.
The visitors finished 21-20 victors, but Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan believed their victory was on the back of an incorrect decision by officials to give the ball to the Panthers from a kick-off that found touch.
Still, Penrith’s determination could not be questioned – they came back from 10-4 and 20-16 down to send the game into extra-time and, through the boot of Luke Walsh, secure the two points.
Penrith’s victory came despite being on the end of a lopsided six-to-three penalty count as well as being “out-completed” by Cronulla 93 to 87 per cent.
Andrew Fifita had a huge game off the bench for Cronulla, racking up 22 runs for 181 metres with 31 tackles, while Josh Mansour was strong for Penrith with 171 metres and 17 hit-ups.
