The Penrith Panthers have smashed the West Tigers at Leichhardt Oval by 23 points.
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In a Sunday afternoon match at the Tigers’ spiritual home, the Panthers were far too good.
Penrith winger David Simmons scored four tries himself and the visitors also claimed three others.
The Tigers fell away badly at the end of the game as Penrith piled on the points.
Wests’ task wasn’t helped by a game-ending injury to Tim Simona in the first half.
They put Kyle Lovett in his place but the Panthers had identified a weakness there and focused their attack in that spot and it paid off.
The hosts started well, Chris Lawrence touching down.
A Robbie Farah kick went into the in-goal and Lawrence got their first in a mad scramble.
Penrith responded soon after, Peter Wallace scoring after a great break.
The two teams traded tries as Josh Mansour got an acrobatic effort down in the corner.
But the Tigers hit back through Kevin Naiqama. It was a very even match at this stage, Wests right in it.
Right on half-time, with the score close, a scuffle broke out.
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks was put on report for head-butting an opponent.
The young playmaker could be in a bit of trouble.
The second half was all Penrith.
The visitors clicked into gear and Simmons claimed the first of his four tries.
The first effort was all class, cutting back inside and beating four would-be defenders.
The second was a team score.
The ball went through the hands and Simmons finished it off in style.
For the third one, Simmons’ try was put on a plate for him by Dean Whare.
The Kiwi centre broke through the line and drew the fullback for his winger to touch down yet again.
Simmons had his 100th try in the NRL, making it a memorable day for the former Cronulla Shark.
On 65 minutes Wallace nailed a field goal to make the score 25-12.
The Tigers were out on their feet and the Panthers had the game by the throat.
In the final 15 minutes there was still time for Penrith to score two more tries.
With the Tigers’ defence feeble, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak capped off a great personal display with his own four-pointer.
The fullback broke through a very soft tackle to score.
It was poor stuff from Wests.
Right on full-time, Simmons got his fourth and final try.
Jamie Soward tried a long pass and then it was intercepted by the Tigers and spilled again.
Lewis Brown got the ball, found a hole and powered through.
Simmons was there in support to touch it down.
With both these teams at the bottom of the NRL ladder, it was an important two points.
The Panthers have had a tough year but this will give them some confidence.
The Tigers remain horribly inconsistent.
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