Like he’d thrown again to his kicking follow at Redfern Oval as a child, Reynolds potted over the ball from about 18 metres out and not using a trace of emotion, turned and shuffled again to Brisbane’s half of the sphere.

The sector aim, chalked up when the Broncos led the Panthers 12-6, received Brisbane over the road for its first win in Penrith since 2009.

One in every of Herbie Farnworth’s first-half tries will take some beating for NRL strive of the yr, the Dolphins-bound gun outrunning Brian To’o to plant an Ezra Mam kick at full stretch.

However the Panthers, striving to develop into the primary membership to win three consecutive premierships within the NRL period, weren’t their calm, scientific, cohesive selves.

Because the Panthers trailed 12-6 with about 10 minutes remaining, Jarome Luai acquired the footy on the left edge, skipped and threw a cross that went to nobody, killing a threatening backline transfer right away. It summed up the juggernaut’s bitter night time.

Paul Gallen forecast on 9’s post-match present that the Panthers would make the highest 4 this yr, however argued Ivan Cleary’s facet was not the power it was once.

“If I am a Panthers fan I am not panicking in any respect. I’ve nonetheless received little question they’re going to be (within the) high 4 (at) the again finish of the season,” Gallen stated.

“That they had an enormous illustration on the World Cup, they most likely did not come again to coaching till mid-January, so that they’ve had most likely an entire lot much less time than different groups to arrange for the season.

“I feel a group just like the Broncos have had a extremely huge, lengthy low season and hit the bottom operating.

“If I am a Panthers fan I am not involved in any respect; they’re going to be within the high 4 on the again finish of the yr.

“However I nonetheless assume they’ve come again to the pack. I’ve received to be sincere: I nonetheless assume they’ve come again. I do not assume they’re going to be as dominant as final yr — I actually do not.

“Taking three or 4 gamers out of any facet within the competitors, they’ll come again to the pack.”

Broncos’ beautiful strive of the yr contender

The Panthers misplaced Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers) and Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs) to rival golf equipment following final yr’s grand remaining, and are with out Taylan Could for the entire season after he suffered a knee harm within the pre-season problem.

Gallen noticed similarities between the Broncos and St Helens, who surprised the Panthers 13-12 in Penrith final Saturday night time.

“Watching the World Membership Problem, I assumed that St Helens received proper up within the Panthers’ face, and I assumed the Broncos took a leaf out of that tonight: popping out of the road, focusing on their playmakers, not permitting them any time in any respect to play the ball,” Gallen stated.

“I assumed they labored, and look, it is about time somebody labored out tips on how to defend the Panthers.”

Phil Gould stated on 9’s protection in the course of the second half that Penrith seemed “rattled”.

The Panthers will open spherical two in a conflict with the Rabbitohs in Penrith subsequent Thursday night time, whereas the Broncos are set to fulfill the Cowboys in Brisbane subsequent Friday night.

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Each membership’s greatest line-up for the 2023 NRL season