A rare double from prop James Tamou helped the Panthers to a 28-18 victory over the Bulldogs in their opening match of the Downer NRL Auckland Nines.
The Bulldogs hit the front early, with Francis Tualau crossing after a long run from fullback Bradley Abbey, but the Panthers were quick to reply with Tamou busting out his rarely seen sidestep and dummy to stroll through for a bonus zone try.
Kaide Ellis, Corey Harawira and Zach Dockar-Clay all went over for further first-half tries, which saw Penrith establish a commanding 21-6 lead at the break.
Tries to Renouf To'omaga and Matthew Frawley saw the Bulldogs reduce the margin in the second period.
Panthers 28 (James Tamou 2, Kaide Ellis, Corey Harawira, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak tries; Nathan Cleary 1, Zach Dockar-Clay 2 goals) def. Bulldogs 18 (Francis Tualau, Renouf To'omaga, Matthew Frawley tries; Matthew Frawley 1, Craig Garvey goals) Half-time: 21-6.
