The Panthers have booked a spot in their fifth-straight grand final but all eyes will be on Nathan Cleary after he looked to aggravate an existing shoulder injury in the final minutes.
Cleary produced a masterclass in the 26-6 win over the Sharks, setting up three tries, getting three line break assists and making just under 100 running metres.
But he was spotted clutching at his left shoulder late in the game and eventually came from the field with five minutes left on the clock. It was a tense start to the clash with scores locked up at 2-all until 22 minutes into the game when Cleary came up with some magic, kicking a 40/20 and then setting up Paul Alamoti for the first try of the game in the next set.
The Panthers extended their lead ahead of half time with another penalty goal after Siosifa Talakai was placed on report for a late shot on Jarome Luai.
It looked like Talakai, who was filling in for Jesse Ramien, was going to be given his marching orders but he was spared the sin-bin by referee Ashley Klein.
The Sharks needed to strike first in the second half and they did exactly that when Sione Katoa scored in the corner with a stunning put-down.
But their joy was short lived as the Panthers responded with two tries in three minutes — both set up by Cleary.
A pinpoint cross-field kick set up Brian To’o before Alamoti crossed for his second off a ball from Cleary.
But Cleary’s night took a turn when he was spotted late in the game clutching at his left shoulder. He tried to play on but was eventually replaced in the final five minutes by Brad Schneider.
That didn’t halt the Panthers’ momentum though and they put an exclamation mark on the win when Liam Martin scored in the 76th minute.
The Panthers will take on the Storm at 8.30pm next Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Source: foxsports.com.au
