NRL finals LIVE: Panthers causing early pain for Tricolours with tries ...

And just like that, things are starting to turn for the Tricolours.

Joey Manu is knocked down while trying to contest the high ball and the Roosters get a penalty.

From there, they shift the ball left, then right, and James Tedesco takes on Paul Alamoti and Sunia Turuva to score on the right edge.

That’s two tries in seven minutes for the Roosters. Do we have a comeback on our hands?

Panthers 24, Roosters 10 with 31 minutes to go

Do we have a different Roosters team in this second half?

Joseph Suaalii bursts over the line and shruggs off Izack Tago and Jarome Luai to score first in the second half.

That’s the first points for the Roosters in this match, but he misses the conversion.

Panthers 24, Roosters 4 with 36 minutes to go

That’s half-time at BlueBet Stadium, and the Penrith are absolutely dominating.

They’re walking off the field to the crowd chanting “Panthers, Panthers, Panthers”.

A fifth consecutive preliminary final is looking likely for the reigning premiers.

Half-time: Panthers 24, Roosters 0

Jarome Luai celebrates after scoring.Credit: Getty Images

The Roosters have escaped with a penalty rather than a sin bin after Luke Keary held Liam Henry back in front of the posts.

A loose grab on Henry’s shirt, yes, but a grab nonetheless.

In theory, that could constitute a professional foul, which would typically cost Keary a trip to the bin ... lucky Roosters.

The Panthers take a penalty kick and add two to their tally.

Panthers 24, Roosters 0 after 35 minutes

A game-changing charge-down from Connor Watson and the Roosters have their first real opportunity of the night.

But Nathan Cleary takes him down, and Watson doesn’t have anyone in support. He has to wait to play-the-ball as his puffed teammates catch up.

End of set – no points for the Roosters. The Panthers proving they’ve still got one of the best defences in the NRL.

Panthers 22, Roosters 0 after 32 minutes

What did I tell you, more points for Penrith.

This time it’s Luke Garner, who slips past Sandon Smith to score.

The stats tell the whole story – just 28 per cent possession for the Roosters so far and 18 missed tackles.

Panthers 22, Roosters 0 after 24 minutes

Daniel Tupou can’t quite believe it. He’s dropped another high ball.

Watch the Panthers find more points. Tupou’s confidence looks shot.

Panthers 16, Roosters 0 after 21 minutes