Rugby League: Panthers repeat victory over Roosters

The Penrith Panthers showed their NRL triumph last year was no fluke with a 22-6 win over the Sydney Roosters last night.

In a rematch of the 2003 grand final, the Panthers were once again too good for the highly-rated Roosters on the back of a sterling defensive effort.

The Panthers kept their opponents scoreless through the first half and led 16-0 early in the second spell at Telstra Stadium.

The Roosters closed the gap with one try but that was all they could manage as they suffered their first loss of the season.

Penrith 22 (R Wesser 2, P Campbell, L Lewis tries; R Girdler 3 goals)

Sydney Roosters 6 (T Byrne try; C Walker goal)

Halftime: 12-0