Highlights from the first Round of the 2020 National Rugby League Premiership Finals Series (October 2 – October 4)
Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roostersa
Friday 2 October 2020
Brilliant performances from young halves Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary has helped Penrith overcome a fast-starting and fast-finishing Roosters 29-28 at Panthers Stadium in the first qualifying final on Friday night.
The see-sawing match featured a dominant 28-0 run from Penrith, book-ended by a brilliant opening and late surge by the defending champions.
Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks
Saturday 3 October 2020
Clive Churchill medallist Jack Wighton has steered the Raiders to another grand final rematch with the Roosters, but only after a captain’s challenge kerfuffle helped Canberra avoid one of the biggest finals upsets in NRL history.
For 45 minutes the Sharks well and truly sniffed blood in the water and held a shock 14-10 lead on Canberra’s home track.
Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm
Saturday 3 October 2020
A stunning display by Ryan Papenhuyzen was overshadowed by a feared recurrence of a medial injury for Cameron Munster in the Storm’s 36-24 qualifying final win over the Eels.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights
Sunday 4 October 2020
Wayne Bennett was “sending prayers down” at ANZ Stadium when the Rabbitohs fell behind 14-0 after 11 minutes of their elimination final against Newcastle.
But the master coach was able to crack a few trademark dry jokes following another attacking blitz that set up a 46-20 comeback victory and a clash against Parramatta next Saturday.
