- 32-16 loss ended the Panthers’ unbeaten start this season
Irate Penrith fans have accused the Bulldogs of cheating after suffering a shock 32-16 loss at Accor Stadium on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs defied all predictions to snap Penrith’s perfect 5-0 start to the season with an emphatic showing, while missing representative captain Stephen Crichton.
But one moment left a sour taste in the mouths of Penrith supporters, which happened just when the Panthers looked like they were going to wrestle the match back in their favour.
The incident happened in the 43rd minute, just after halftime.
Penrith had locked up the scores at 16-all when a pinpoint Nathan Cleary kick found a flying Thomas Jenkins on the left wing.
Cleary then had a chance to kick a conversion from the sideline that would have stolen the lead for the Panthers, after trailing by as much as 16-0.
Controversial moment came just after halftime when scores were locked 16-all and Panthers looked ready to take control
Nathan Cleary missed crucial sideline conversion that would have given Penrith the lead after remarkable comeback effort
Furious fans labelled Burton’s act bad sportsmanship, with some insisting referees should have ordered the conversion retaken
He missed that shot at goal, and Panthers fans are crying foul after vision revealed a Bulldogs attempt to put him off his aim.
Bulldogs star Matt Burton can be seen throwing a footy ball up in the air near the goalposts, which fans claim was an obvious attempt to distract Cleary at a crucial moment.
‘I have no doubt Matt Burton knew exactly what he was doing here trying to get in Cleary’s head. It worked,’ one fan posted on social media.
‘That is bad sportsmanship,’ added another.
‘Thought I was the only one to notice that. The ref should’ve noticed and it re-taken. Burton a cheat,’ posted another.
However others said the action should have had minimal impact on a player of Cleary’s calibre.
‘If a small ball fries him when it matters, how can I trust he’s going to turn up for NSW?’ one asked.
Others pointed out the recent scandal where the Penrith trainer was reprimanded for running in front of opposition kickers.
Bulldogs dominated second half with three tries as Ivan Cleary admitted young Panthers struggled but would learn from loss
Panthers trainer Corey Bocking was banned five matches and the club fined $50,000 after he ran in front of Titans kicker Jayden Campbell during an August 2025 conversion attempt.
The incident, labeled ‘disgraceful’ by commentators, was deemed a major breach of the NRL code of conduct.
‘Funny Penrith fans blowing up about this! The Kings of putting kickers off are having a little cry,’ a Bulldogs fan posted.
‘Maybe he’s learnt from the Panthers they have a history of distracting goal kickers and plays.’ added another.
The missed conversion ultimately didn’t cost the Bulldogs, who stormed him with three tries to put the result beyond doubt in the second half.
The Penrith right edge of Casey McLean, Blaize Taulagi and Jennings were targeted by the Bulldogs, with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary quipping they had their minds on a bigger prize.
‘Yeah, maybe they’re getting ready for origin camp,’ he said after the match.
‘A couple of boys went back a couple of pegs, but as I’ve mentioned, they’re young and it’s just a good part of the experience for them.
‘I’m sure they’ll bounce back.’
