NRL: Panthers move top with win

Kevin Naiqama of the Panthers scores a try during the round 17 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval. Photo / Getty Images.

A Matt Moylan-inspired Penrith have moved to the top of the NRL ladder with a 26-10 win over a disappointing Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval today.

With halfback Peter Wallace sidelined early with an ankle injury, Moylan admirably stepped up to score a try himself and play a hand in three others, including both of Dean Whare's four-pointers.

The victory, Penrith's 10th of the year, moves the season surprise packets to the top of the NRL competition alongside Manly and Canterbury on 24 points, but ahead on for and against.

Moylan broke the game open early for the visitors before 16,698 fans when he jinked his way through the Tigers' line in the 16th minute with Wallace down in backplay.

The rookie fullback then threw the final pass for Whare's first try in the 26th minute that pushed them out to a 12-0 halftime lead on the back of their forward dominance.

Penrith continued to enjoy the better of field position after the break for Kevin Naqaima to cross out wide in the 57th minute, with Moylan again throwing the last pass.

The Tigers finally scored in the 53rd minute when Blake Austin stepped his way over to give the raucous home crowd some hope.

But that was dashed just three minutes later when Jamal Idris strode over out wide and Whare scored his double six minutes later.

Brent Kite toiled away strongly up front all day for the Panthers in his 300th NRL game and five-eighth Jamie Soward led the team well without Wallace.

In contrast the Tigers were largely directionless without their skipper and NSW rake Robbie Farah, with youngsters Mitchell Moses and Matt Lodge making solid NRL debuts.

Panthers duo Elijah Taylor and Adam Docker left the field late for the Panthers with concussion, while Tigers pivot Braith Anasta suffered an arm injury.

Anasta was placed on report for a dangerous throw on Idris, his teammate Bodene Thompson earning the same with a late first half hit on Jamie Soward.