Why Nathan Cleary is in doubt for Penrith Panthers’ opener
He was once intercepted by defender Dylan Edwards, but then went over the No. 1 rep for a second time and scored. The four-pointer won’t be forgotten anytime soon by those in Sydney’s inner west. The try came six days after he scored a hat-trick in a trial against the Roosters.
Heamasi Makasini scored an excellent try for Wests Tigers.Credit: NRL Pictures
Tigers’ left flank of Jarome Luai, Samuela Fainu, Taylan May and Makasini will increase their share of points this year if they stay fit.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall wasn’t sure if he would play most of his big guns considering they wouldn’t play for another three weeks due to the first-round bye. But a welcome win against a genuine premiership candidate in Penrith will give them plenty of confidence.
Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi was busy early on, scoring the first try for Jahream Bula, while Panthers back rower and former Tiger Isaiah Papali’i got through a mountain of work early on.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and his assistants were forced to watch the match in the open-air press area after a poor air conditioning unit left the coaches’ box unbearably cold.
In the previous attempt, two players were thrown away, including Jacob Host, who hip-dropped Selwyn Cobbo in the Dolphins’ 38-34 victory over the Warriors.
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