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 linebreak 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.
MATCH CENTRE: Panthers v Sharks, scores, stats, highlights
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Cleary injury concern for Grand Final? | 01:42
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.
Fox League expert Corey Parker called the double play “absolute magic,” while commentator Dan Ginnane declared: “In the space of 60 seconds he’s changed the game.”
Talakai takes out Luai with late shot! | 00:43
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.
Sharks score after SENSATIONAL put down | 00:43
But their joy was shortlived 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.
‘Development team v Dynasty team’: Fitzy | 07:09
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 next Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Rudolf on report for trip! | 00:30
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TEAMS
PANTHERS: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth. 18th man: 18. Casey McLean
SHARKS: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 14. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Daniel Atkinson. 18th man: 20. Mawene Hiroti
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