'Never been a fan of it': Bennett slams Golden Point after clutch Cleary returns with winning two-point field goal (2024)

King Nathan Cleary has returned to the throne, linking up with his premiership pals to swamp the Dolphins late in golden point after a big Sunday scare.

Cleary smoked a 40 plus metre drop goal in extra time, capping off a marvellous reinstatement to the NRL – all while lifting his side to a 28-26 win.

Redcliffe utility forward Josh Kerr was sent packing with five minutes to go after flopping on Trent Toelau to slow down a Penrith fast break. It gave Cleary a simple shot at goal from in front to level the scores.

“Call him the prince, the king, the duke of Penrith, whatever you like, he’s got to have some sort of royal tag doesn’t he,” Fox League commentator Andrew Voss said.

“I can’t believe it hey. I wasn’t too sure if it went over and when I saw everyone run to me it was a dream,” Cleary said post win.

The classy No.7 was far from his best at home, exposed in defence early which demonstrated his lack of game pace – from a long stint on the sidelines.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow put on a fullback masterclass, scoring two tries that tore apart Penrith’s right edge defence. The Origin centre was back to his best position and was remarkable when considering the back up. Standby fullback Daine Laurie was a handful all afternoon, doing a solid job in the No.1 jersey in the void of Dylan Edwards.

Isaiya Katoa put it up to the competitions best halfback, kicking with plenty of time and scoring a stunning individual try that showcased his strong running game.

The Dolphins came out first from the gates in the final 40, with Jack Bostock wreaking havoc on the left edge. He crossed in the 51st minute – but from there it was a Panthers powerhouse charge.

“He’s (Katoa) got a lot of things on his mind, he probably wasn’t thinking field goal at that stage. We had twelve men and gone down 50, 60 metres. I’m not blaming him at all,” Wayne Bennett said post game.

“That’s why I dislike golden point. I’ve never been a fan of it, never will be. No (we will never get rid of it).

“Second year in the comp mate, we’re building every time we step on the field. The good news is, we’re getting better not worse.”

Cometh the comeback, cometh the Cleary

A poor fifth tackle option from Isaiya Katoa in the dying stages gifted Penrith with a final shot at a game winner.

For Nathan Cleary, he is no rookie when it comes to icing high pressure games. The No.7 left his first drop goal attempt short and right, but went on to place a nifty drubber in the final play to spark a break which almost resulted in a try.

He was flawless off the tee, kicking all four conversions – along with a penalty to tie the game.

“To be able to go from 26-12 down and make the running from there, it was a good victory,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

“We hadn’t really got it down without the Origin boys and I wanted to give them a break. I was pretty happy about that decision. It gives our young boys a lot more belief.

Paul Alamoti was the only downfall for the Panthers, with Ivan Cleary confirming the winger broke his arm.

“It’s sort of just feeling. I back myself and judge it at the time. If you can get a shot and know you have the distance, I’m going to take it,” Nathan Cleary said.

“I didn’t kick it as sweet as I could. Kenny started running at me and I was still waiting for it to go over.

“Physically I felt really good. I was frantic in defence, but I knew I wasn’t going to comeback and be perfect.”

Cleary had his fingerprints on the scorebook early, dishing a basketball lob for Sunia Turuva to cross first.

It was Hammer time next, before the Panthers went right for Paul Alamoti. He put on a crazy finish to score in the corner despite a gallant try-saver from Isaiya Katoa.

Penrith’s staple front rowers Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris took control in the final quarter, inspiring the Panthers to momentum and points.

Hammer down

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a fullback and is no doubt an Origin standard one at that. Fidow was remarkable as club No.1 and did everything to try and get the Dolphins over the line.

He made Nathan Cleary look childish early on, crossing the No.7 on his inside for two easy tries – that illustrated his sustained speed and quick shifting feet.

He ran for 192 metres and had eight tackle breaks. He also missed no tackles all afternoon.

Off the back of shape, Fidow is something to marvel at. He has a presence like no other in the NRL and can motor with ease.

Tevita Pangai Junior was solid for Redcliffe, looking for an offload at every turn. The prop made eight carries in the first 20 minutes and got through a mountain of work.

Dolphins finsy in defence and discipline

The late defence of Redcliffe allowed Penrith to claw back a 12 point margin. It was the 12th time since 2020 that Penrith trailed by 12 or more points.

Kenny Bromwich was left clutching for air as Moses Leota shifted on by him – making the veteran forward look amateur.

Kodi Nikorima was then caught out big time. While the No.6 is normally up to the task, Daine Laurie bursted through the five-eighth to get Penrith back within two points.

Herbie Farnworth then gifted the home side with plenty of possession late, as he pushed Casey McLean off the ball and gave away a poor penalty.