Penrith's grip on the NRL minor premiership has loosened after a 28-12 defeat to the Warriors in Auckland, compounded by a suspected pectoral injury to co-captain Isaah Yeo.
The Warriors dominated the ladder leaders from the outset, racing to an 18-0 halftime lead and sending a clear signal that a first premiership since 2026 could be within reach.
Yeo's injury clouds Penrith's night
Yeo pulled up sore after making a tackle and left the field during the final 10 minutes of the first half. Fox Sports commentator Michael Ennis called it a potential "monumental blow" to Penrith's premiership credentials.
If scans confirm a pectoral tear, the NSW captain could miss the rest of Penrith's quest for a fifth title in six seasons. The Panthers may be only two competition points ahead of fourth place by the end of the weekend.
Warriors' key performers shine
Luke Metcalf, playing his first game since April, scored two tries, including the match-sealer in the final five minutes. He replaced the injured Te Maire Martin.
Erin Clark scored a soft opening try, and Kurt Capewell set up Metcalf's first. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak tapped back a Metcalf kick for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to score the Warriors' fourth try.
Paul Alamoti was sin-binned for up-ending Leka Halasima, who later set up the Warriors' third try with a break and offload to Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Late Penrith fightback falls short
Nathan Cleary scored Penrith's first try in the 67th minute and set up rookie fullback Jaxen Edgar. A potential third try was disallowed when Liam Martin was ruled offside, before Metcalf sealed the win.
