Illawarra were defeated 28-6 by the Penrith Panthers at UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday in Round 1 of the Intrust Super Premiership.
The Panthers opened their account through prop Viliame Kikau in the 12th minute though it only took Illawarra six minutes to hit back through prop Jacob Hind.
Hind barged his way over following a short ball from five-eighth Pat Herbert to score his first try ever in the Intrust Super Premiership.
Ill-discipline would hurt Illawarra with the Panthers capitalising through Jed Cartwright in the 30th minute.
The Panthers crossed the stripe again a short time later through winger Michael Oldfield –the visitors holding a 16-6 lead at half-time.
Illawarra had early opportunities in second half but it was Penrith who'd extended their lead in the 48th minute thanks to a Darren Nichols penalty goal.
With limited possession, the Panthers were able to muster another four-pointer through Tyrone May.
A short while later the visitors scored their second try for the half through Samisoni Langi to hand the Panthers a 28-6 victory.
Penrith Panthers 28 (Viliame Kikau, Jed Cartwright, Michael Oldfield, Tyrone May, Samisoni Langi, tries; Darren Nicholls 4 goals) defeated Illawarra RLFC 6 (Jacob Hind tries; Shaun Nona 1 goal) at UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah. Half-time: Panthers 16-6.
