Stud centre justifies Penrith's faith after massive extension; prop's ...

The Panthers have flexed their muscles in the second half to collect their first win of the NRL season with a 26-18 victory over the Parramatta Eels at BlueBet Stadium.

It was Penrith’s first regular season win over their western Sydney rivals in five attempts.

The Eels had a number of decent chances near the line in the final 15 minutes or so to fight back but Penrith held strong defensively, holding Parra to zero points in the second half.

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Despite dominating the field position battle in the first half, Penrith trailled Parramatta 18-16 at the break.

However in the second 40, the Panthers showed their class in attack and clamped down in defence.

Back rower Isaah Yeo delivered a pinpoint kick to the corner which was corralled by Sunia Turuva for a try, before Izack Tago – who was the best on the ground – crossed for a four pointer just a couple of minutes later to give the home side a handy eight point buffer.

Tago had five line breaks, 230 running metres and a try in a starring role.

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first half with the Eels opening the scoring when Joey Lussick crossed from dummy-half, taking advantage of some soft defence.

A pinpoint grubber from Nathan Cleary found Dylan Edwards as Penrith hit back.

The highlight of the first 40 came from Panthers prop Moses Leota, who stepped Lussick and ran 25 metres to score a runaway try.

Dylan Brown had a solid night, and his class was evident when he put Shaun Lane through a gaping hole with the second rower running 15 metres to score.

Soon after, Turuva scored the first of his two tries as Penrith retook the lead.

J’Maine Hopgood worked hard all night against his former side and his try on the stroke of halftime gave the Eels a two point lead at the break.

The Panthers will await news on star prop James Fisher-Harris, who left in the first half and didn’t return due to injury.

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WHAT WE LEARNED

TAGO JUSTIFIES PENRITH’S FAITH

In his first game since penning a massive contract extension until the end of the 2028 season, Izack Tago handed in arguably one of the best games of his career.

The centre carved up the Eels left side defence, galloping for 230 metres, recording an eye-watering five line breaks, nine tackle busts in addition to his game-sealing try.

“He was sensational. He was such a threat everytime he touched the ball,” Yvonne Sampson said on Fox League.

Greg Alexander said the Panthers and Tago “took advantage” of the early injury to Eels centre Bailey Simonsson.

“He’s a quality centre and he’s proven that over the years,” Alexander said.

“He epitomises what Penrith is all about... The reason Penrith allow so many players to leave, because they know what they have to step up.”

The frightening thing is that he’s still learning. The 21-year-old to have the head smarts and composure is impressive,” James Graham added.

RUNAWAY PROP

Panthers big man Moses Leota provided one of the highlights of the night when he crossed in the first half to give his team a 12-6 lead.

Leota got the ball in some space and embarrassed Eels hooker Joey Lussick with a right foot step, before racing 25 metres to the try line to score.

“Somebody stop him!” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.

“What about the footwork! Reece Walsh-like,” Cooper Cronk said.

Leota had to be relied upon more than usual with running mate James Fisher-Harris going off in the first half through injury.

Leota finished the game with 117 metres from 14 hit-ups, two tackle busts, a try and 21 tackles.

MOSES MOBILITY

Mitchell Moses had just six runs against Penrith and is still clearly carrying that groin problem.

His speed is his greatest asset and he can’t utilise it at the moment.

Groin issues can linger for a long time and if Moses can’t get his right it could be a long season for the Eels.

His halves partner Dylan Brown only had seven runs and needed to get more involved with his main man struggling.

- with NCA Newswire