The Penrith Panthers are world beaters. In the toughest competition they have made the last four grand finals wining a three-peat along the way. Yet, they can’t take a trick against any of the Super League champions.
Let’s get the howler out the way first. Jake Wardle did not score. Close enough is good enough. Even the commentators stated, “he has an honest face”.
Not since the Luke Lewis double movement penalty 20 years ago against the Bulls have I seen such a poor decision. In that case Lewis was penalised for sampling scoring a try.
Take nothing away from the underdogs, Wigan. They don’t make the decisions. They lifted to stop the Panthers.
As I watched the game unfold, it just seemed a matter of time before the Panthers would stage a late comeback and win. They dominated in all facets of the game but could not find the knockout blow with poor last tackle options and uncharacteristic handling. Still, it went to the wire with the no-try decision in the corner after the siren.
Wigan fullback Jai Field pulled off some mighty tackles that would have left Panthers’ great Scott Sattler impressed. St George Illawarra must be ruing let Field go.
For the Panthers, there is always next year. Which in their case could be true.
