Sweet six moves Panthers into top eight

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Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans

The Panthers have moved into the top eight with their sixth straight win after a 24-2 result against an errant Gold Coast Titans tonight in front of 10,317 fans at Penrith Stadium.

Coming off the bye, Panthers ran full of purpose and power from the opening stages but doubles from Dylan Edwards and Brian To'o were enough to see them past the disappoined Gold Coast Titans side and move into the top eight. 

Two wonderful finishes from flying winger To'o were the highlights from tonight's game as the Panthers started to find their attacking rhythm again. Another youth product Jarome Luai substituted for Nathan Cleary and lit up the contest with some fleet footwork alongside the evergreen James Maloney. 

From the depths the Panthers plunged early in the season, six straight victories must seem like nirvana for the fans at the foot of the mountain. The atmosphere has changed there, with the excitement in their backline and power in the forwards led by the devastating Bill Kikau, has made this resurgence possible. 

Maloney looked fresh despite playing 180 minutes in a 72-hour period. His calm with his kicking game, highlighted with four goals for the veteran kept a sense of calm around a Panthers side that at times, passed the ball like a hot potato. 

For Garth Brennan, the Titans just shot themselves in the foot time and time again. Fullback AJ Brimson and Brian Kelly made half-breaks but the polish or want to find the final ball wasn't there. 

What may gall Brennan the most, is after Tyrone Roberts had booted a 40/20, the lack of urgency from the side to get to the tap. That moment resembled their whole performance tonight. There were spot fires of brilliance but there weren't enough to trouble the Panthers.

Next week both sides are at home - Penrith host the Dragons in the feature Friday night match, while the Titans are at home to competition leaders Melbourne.