Cleary delivers Panthers golden-point win over Dolphins

Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has produced a stunning two-point field goal to secure a miraculous golden-point victory over the Dolphins in his return from a hamstring injury. 

The skipper was playing his first match since Round 10 and did not skip a beat with ball in hand as he steered Penrith to a 28-26 come-from-behind win. 

Fifty-two points were scored in an entertaining clash, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossing for a first-half double for the Dolphins. Cleary was perfect from the boot, landing five from five including two sideline conversions that bounced off the goal post.

The sixth, and most important, goal came in the 82nd minute as the Panthers capped a stunning comeback. 

The Dolphins led 18-12 at the break and promptly extended the lead to 14 through a Jack Bostock try and Jamayne Isaako penalty goal to hold a 26-14 advantage after 53 minutes.

The Panthers, however came home with a wet sail and reeled off 14-straight points of their own to level the scores with five minutes to play. 

That was the end of the scoring in regulation, the Dolphins holding on grimly to send the match to golden point.

They had no answer, however, for Cleary's brilliance as he kicked the match-winner from 42 metres out.

Match Snapshot

• The Dolphins completed a perfect 20 sets from 20 in the opening 40 minutes as they claimed an 18-12 lead at half-time. They finished with a 92% completion rate after completing 38 of 41 sets. 
• Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi made his 200th appearance in the golden-point loss. 
• The Panthers were without all five of their NSW stars, with Liam Martin, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Isaah Yeo rested. Dylan Edwards sat out the match after suffering a PCL injury in the Origin decider.
• Penrith coach Ivan Cleary recorded his 250th win as NRL coach on Sunday afternoon. 
• The Panthers have now won nine of their past 10 games with Nathan Cleary. 

Play of the Game

 

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