Penrith Panthers 28 def. Dolphins 26 (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2, Isaiya Katoa, Jack Bostock tries; Jamayne Isaako 5/5 goals)
9-8
Shades of the 2023 Grand Final. Led by 14 points with just over 20 to go, it was arguably the best performance of the season when it all went pear-shaped.
It all started with a lazy high tackle against Jesse Bromwich. Then Lemuelu came from the field after a head clash but not before giving away another head high penalty. Lemuelu's concussion forces a reshuffle and Penrith take full advantage with Leota beating Kenny Bromwich right where Lemuelu would have been defending.
It was all going Penrith's way, but at 26-24 with 6 to go, it appeared the Dolphins could still hold on. A relieving penalty put the Dolphins in good field position, but then Lemuelu spilled an inside pass from Nikorima and it led straight to a break for the Panthers. Kerr gave away a silly penalty to get himself sent to sin bin and from there, it was Penrith's game to lose.
Still, the Dolphins gave themselves a sniff when they made a huge break down the right hand side. Katoa had an opportunity to snap the field goal, but opted not to and eventually Cleary kicked another beauty to win it for his club.
That's 1-3 for the Dolphins in Golden Point, including two that weren't exactly gimmes. I was surprised the Dolphins had actually won a golden point game, but had forgotten about last year's win against the Titans.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but the Dolphins can take a lot of pride out of their performance. Their trending in the right direction and while 10-7 would have put them in the box seat, they're still a good chance of qualifying for the finals which would be an unbelievable result.