Penrith’s NRL dynasty appears to be in serious trouble. The four-time reigning premiers are now anchored to the bottom of the ladder just eight rounds into the 2025 season, after being convincingly beaten by a resurgent Manly Sea Eagles side on Saturday night.
A week earlier, the Panthers had offered a glimmer of hope, snapping their five-game losing streak with a strong win over the Sydney Roosters. But any sign of revival quickly disappeared as Manly, who themselves had been struggling, showed renewed energy and purpose at CommBank Stadium — dominating both possession and territory to claim a 26–10 victory.
With Tom Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu, and veteran captain Daly Cherry-Evans leading from the front, the Sea Eagles outclassed Penrith in nearly every department. The loss marked Penrith’s sixth defeat in eight matches this year — a startling slide for a club that has reigned supreme over the NRL for four straight seasons.
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Trbojevic’s Triumphant Return
Back for his first game since Round 4, fullback Tom Trbojevic reminded fans exactly why he’s one of the NRL’s elite players. The Manly superstar was everywhere — creating space, supporting plays on both sides of the field, and setting up crucial attacking moments.
Trbojevic ran for over 180 metres across the 80 minutes, chimed in for a try assist, and constantly kept Penrith’s defensive line guessing. His presence gave Manly confidence, structure, and much-needed spark.
Manly wasted no time asserting themselves. Just five minutes into the game, Reuben Garrick opened the scoring with his eighth try in seven matches at CommBank Stadium. Tommy Talau followed up soon after, crossing for Manly’s second try. By halftime, the Sea Eagles had built a solid 14–0 lead, putting all the pressure on Penrith to respond.
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Panthers’ Brief Fightback Fizzles
The Panthers did show signs of life early in the second half. Blaize Talagi darted from dummy half to score just six minutes after the restart, providing a much-needed boost. Momentum swung further their way when Izack Tago capitalized on three straight sets near Manly’s line, finishing a slick play thanks to a sharp pass from Paul Alamoti. That try brought Penrith within four points at 14–10 — their closest margin of the night.
However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly crushed. Manly reasserted control, spearheaded by Haumole Olakau’atu, whose athleticism and strength once again proved decisive. The powerhouse forward scored a remarkable try when he leapt above the pack to grab a high kick — snatching the ball right out of the hands of his NSW teammate Dylan Edwards — and crashed over the line to extend Manly’s lead.
Moments later, Tolu Koula added the final blow, securing a comprehensive 26–10 win for the Sea Eagles.
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Referee Keeps Busy in a Fiery Contest
It wasn’t just the scoreboard lighting up — referee Belinda Sharpe had a chaotic evening managing tempers and high-contact tackles. Across the match, she awarded 16 penalties (a slight edge to Penrith at 9–7), placed eight players on report, and sent three to the sin bin.
Those cooling their heels in the bin included Panthers’ Scott Sorensen, Manly prop Siosiua Taukeiaho, and Penrith’s Paul Alamoti, all of whom found themselves temporarily sidelined in a physical, emotionally charged encounter.
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State of Origin Preview: Cleary vs Cherry-Evans
Beyond the scoreline, the game offered a tantalizing preview of the upcoming State of Origin battle. In what felt like a dress rehearsal, Nathan Cleary (New South Wales) and Daly Cherry-Evans (Queensland) engaged in an intriguing duel throughout the match.
The two rival playmakers exchanged moments of brilliance — Cleary’s kicking game and passing precision against Cherry-Evans’ leadership and creativity. Both were among their team’s best performers despite Penrith’s overall struggles.
For Cleary, however, it was a night of frustration as his efforts to lift the Panthers repeatedly ran into Manly’s disciplined defensive wall.
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New Discovery for Manly: Caleb Navale Impresses
Amid the established stars, one fresh face turned heads — Caleb Navale, the young Fijian international who may just be Manly’s long-term successor to Jake Trbojevic in the forward pack.
Coming off the bench for only his third NRL appearance, the 21-year-old made the most of his limited 10 minutes on the field. His defensive impact was immediate — producing a game-saving tackle on Luke Summerton right on the try line — while also showing aggression with the ball in hand.
Navale, who has already represented Fiji in five international Tests, follows proudly in the footsteps of his father, Eparama Navale, a member of Fiji’s squad at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
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A Night to Forget for Young Casey McLean
While some Manly players enjoyed career-best outings, it was a night to forget for Casey McLean, Penrith’s teenage centre.
Turning 19 just two days earlier, McLean endured a nightmare first half — missing a crucial tackle on Garrick for Manly’s opening try, spilling the ball in attack, and giving away two penalties for dangerous tackles.
To make matters worse, he was forced from the field for a head injury assessment following a heavy collision.
His tough luck continued in the second half when he appeared destined to score, only to be accidentally struck by Tom Trbojevic’s hip in the act of diving for the line. Initially, the referee penalized Trbojevic, but the call was overturned after video review, adding another blow to Penrith’s frustrating evening.
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Panthers’ Crisis Deepens
With their sixth loss from eight games, Penrith’s reign at the top of the NRL is officially under threat. Their once-feared attack now looks flat, and their trademark defensive resilience has crumbled under sustained pressure. The Sea Eagles, on the other hand, rediscovered their rhythm and confidence, sending a warning to the rest of the competition.
Coach Ivan Cleary now faces his toughest challenge in years: reviving the hunger and intensity of a team that once looked unstoppable. Meanwhile, Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans and Haumole Olakau’atu can take pride in a statement win that reignited belief within the squad — and reminded the league that Manly, when clicking, can take down anyone.
