BRIAN To’o’s late intercept try erased any controversy as Penrith’s premiership defence marched on at the expense of the Warriors at a rainswept Go Media Stadium.
There were howls from the home fans with a blatant pass in the lead-up to Penrith centre Casey McLean’s otherwise spectacular 65th-minute try.
But there could be no argument when To’o raced 75 metres after pouncing on a loose ball six minutes later, the Panthers running out 24-8 winners to keep alive their bid for a fifth consecutive premiership.
Ivan Cleary’s men are sure to pack them in at Accor Stadium next week against the Bulldogs.
A physical first half saw Isaiah Papali’i cross off a lovely Nathan Cleary pass in the 27th minute; Penrith led 6-2 at the break.
But it was three tries to two in the second session, with Leka Halasima giving the Warriors a glimmer of hope in the 52nd minute before the one-two punch of McLean and To’o.
“We scored some tries … you could probably call them opportunists’ tries,” said coach Cleary.
“But that’s what semi-finals are about … we’ll need to play better.”
As a former Warriors coach, Cleary added: “I love it here. I would call it my second home.
“I do feel a bit sad for the Warriors community but you should be really proud of a great season.”
PENRITH 24 (Papali’i Schneider McLean To’o tries Cleary 4 goals) beat WARRIORS 8 (Halasima try Boyd 2)
Teams:
WARRIORS: Charnze Nicol-Klokstad; Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Adam Pompey, Leka Halasima, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck; Chanel Harris-Tevita, Tanah Boyd; James Fisher-Harris (c), Wade Egan, Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark. Res: Te Maire Martin, Demetric Vaimaga, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Sam Healey. 18th man: Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.
PENRITH: Dylan Edwards; Paul Alamoti, Izack Tago, Casey McLean, Brian To’o, Casey McLean, Brian To’o; Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary (c); Moses Leota, Brad Scheider, Lindsay Smith, Scott Sorensen, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Res: Luke Sommerton, Liam Henry, Isiaiha Papali’i, Luke Garner. 18th man: Tom Jenkins.
Referee: Grant Atkins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db0yfLvb-HQ