NRL Finals Update – Roosters & Panthers Progress

After a slow start, the Panthers proved too good for the Warriors. 

It was the first time the Warriors had played finals football since 2011 and they certainly started the game determined to make it count with two tries in the first 15 mins.

It was short lived as the Panthers found form from earlier in the season, scoring four unanswered tries, taking the score to 24-12.

Maloney and Cleary then put the game beyond doubt with a field goal in the 59th minute and a penalty goal in the 68th.

The Roosters booked a spot in the semi-final with a clinical victory over the Sharks.

The Roosters had not beaten the Sharks at home in four consecutive match-ups and it seemed as if the streak was going to continue with the Sharks scoring after just five minutes.

Cooper Cronk then put his stamp on the game scoring in the 12th min, giving the Roosters a 6-4 lead.

Wade Graham left the field complaining of a knee injury shortly afterward.

Shane Flanagan was left scratching his head as the Sharks repeatably missed opportunities to take the ascendancy, dropping the ball with the line in sight on two occasions and, with the game in the balance, Luke Lewis couldn’t make the most of an opportunity to level the scores with little time remaining.

It was the big game player, Cooper Cronk who put the game beyond doubt with a field goal in the 72nd minute, giving the Roosters a 21-12 victory.