Penrith Panthers have kicked off the NRL title defence with a roar, overwhelming Manly Sea Eagles 28-6 in the opening match of the 2022 season on Thursday.
Despite the absence of injured linchpin Nathan Cleary, Penrith controlled territory and possession throughout against the hapless Sea Eagles to ease to their 18th consecutive win at their home ground of Panthers Stadium.
Former Warriors half Sean O'Sullivan filled in admirably for Cleary, assisting on two tries and guiding the side around the park with aplomb.
Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton crossed in the first half for the hosts, with Manly dotting down on the stroke of half-time thanks to a brilliant long-range try finished by Ethan Bullemor.
The Panthers may have felt aggrieved they weren't heading into the sheds with more than a 12-6 lead, after Brian To'o and Crichton were denied tries in debatable decisions from the bunker.
But the Panthers exploded out of the interval, with tries to Jarome Luai, Apisai Koroisau and Liam Martin helping secure a straightforward victory.
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