Taylan May gets into a scuffle during the Panthers big win over Brisbane

Taylan May gets into a scuffle during the Panthers big win over BrisbaneCredit:Getty Images

Brisbane were not helped whe they lost their golden boy fullback Walsh to blurred vision. He butted heads with Taylan May who was told by referee Gerard Sutton he should have made more of an effort to get lower,and was placed on report.

Time will tell if May is charged.

Walsh passed his HIA,but struggled to see because of the swelling beneath his left eye. He dropped a ball cold when a trainer threw one to him on the sideline midway through the first half.

Nathan Cleary put on a masterclass,with his short ball for Izack Tago’s second try a ripper. Tago bagged a double and mowed down Selwyn Cobbo to generate some deserved NSW Origin hype.

The Panthers look good. Brisbane did well to not concede 50. They were already without their best prop and skipper,Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds,for the trip west.

The premiers had the luxury of giving their two skippers an nearly mark. Life is good.

Early marks for captains

How often do Penrith get the chance to give their skippers an early mark?

Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo were given spells with just under ten minutes remaining. Cleary received a standing ovation from the locals.

Penrith will be sitting back hoping South Sydney bash the Sydney Roosters tomorrow night. The Chooks and Panthers lock horns next Thursday.

Taylan May has passed his HIA,and Daine Laurie is getting some late,late minutes for Cleary.

Spirited Queenslanders

The Broncos are in again. You have to hand it to them for continuing to have a crack.

They are finally getting a bit of ball and creating chances.

Jesse Arthars shrugged off Dylan Edwards to complete a long-range try.

Brisbane trail 34-12.

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Broncos finally score

Deine Mariner has hit back for the Broncos. Like Brian To’o up the other end of the field a few minutes earlier,Mariner evaded several defenders to miraculously score.

Selwyn Cobbo charged down field and was mowed down by Izack Tago,but the Broncos made sure they came away from a rare trip upfield with points.

Panthers lead 34-6 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Another for Brian

How on earth did Brian To’o get the ball down for his second? That’s two in four minutes for the pint-sized powerhouse.

He caught the ball and had about four Broncos defenders to beat,and somehow slipped past them.

This is ugly. Kevvy and Brisbane and Queensland will be hating this.

To be fair,the Broncos were already without their skipper and best prop and now their superstar fullback.

How do Penrith look without Jamesd Fisher-Harris – he is out with a shoulder injury – Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards?

To’o on scoreboard

Brian To’o is on the scoreboard when sliding over in the left corner.

The Panthers forced a dropout,successfully challenged the Broncos had knocked on,and scored the next set.

Everything is going right for the Panthers.

Nathan Cleary is earning plenty of rave reviews in the commentary box.

After 48 minutes,it’s Penrith up 28-2.

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Walsh is OUT

Brisbane officials have confirmed Reece Walsh will not return in the second half.

Walsh passed his HIA,but the swelling below his eye has caused issues with his sight.

What a huge blow for the Broncos.

Given the weight of possession,the Pennies could notch the half century. And we all know the stat about teams that concede 50 points and their premiership hopes.

Coach Kevin Walters has shifted Kotoni Staggs to left centre where poor old Brendan Piakura was exposed several times.

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