Penrith comes back to steamroll Knights
Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 12:04 AM
Penrith put a month of turmoil behind them with a stunning 38-30 comeback win over Newcastle in a trial match at Alice Springs.
And ironically it was newly appointed skipper Tony Puletua who led the comeback with embattled and dumped former captain Craig Gower resting on the sidelines.
The Panthers trailed Newcastle by 24 points at halftime but steamrolled the Knights in the second half thanks to two tries to Puletua.
Gower, still in a bitter dispute with the club over being stripped of his captaincy for an alcohol-fuelled indiscretion at the Sunshine Coast, sat out the second half comeback having earlier been the Panthers most industrious attacking player.
But in his absence it was the rampaging efforts of Puletua that won the match for the Panthers, going over for Penrith's first try within the first three minutes of the restart.
Newcastle had dominated the match early through emerging star Jarrod Mullen and stand in captain Kurt Gidley.
The pair were unstoppable in the first half playing a part in all four first half tries.
Their insatiable early form was squashed by Puletua's busting second half effort.
Luke Lewis and Mick Gordon supported their new captain well, partnering up to get the Panthers' second try in five minutes.
Not to be outdone the Puletua thundered over again two minutes later.
Shane Rodney capped off the turn around in the 70th minute giving the Panthers the lead for the first time, 26-24.
The Panthers late dominance was emphasised by Brett Howland's 80m try before new British recruit Brian Carney wrapped up the match with his fist try for the Knights in the final minute.
