The Penrith Panthers have narrowly missed out on the NRL minor premiership even after thumping the Parramatta Eels 40-6.
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After Melbourne won their game on Friday night, the Panthers were confirmed to finish second on the ladder setting up an enticing clash with South Sydney next weekend.
Matt Burton scored yet another NRL try and had a hand in another as Brian To'o scored a hat-trick against an Eels side who rested many of their stars.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was pleased with his sides performance in the second-half especially.
"I thought the second half was better than the first," he said.
"The first half there was some good things but some pretty basic errors.
"I thought to Parramatta's credit they played well and kicked well.
"So it made us pay in possession with our errors which is a good lesson.
"The second-half I thought we were pretty professionally.
"I'm definitely happy with where we are sitting and positioned going into next week."
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Cleary admitted he could have opted to rest some of his star players with time left in the match but decided it would be better to leave them out on the field.
"I would've maybe taken a few others off but I couldn't," he said.
"When Scotty Sorenson went off, you only have eight interchanges so you can't take everyone off.
"I thought the forwards got the time they needed.
"In terms of combinations it was good.
"It was pretty grindy type footy tonight."
Penrith have had just a handful of games since the State of Origin period with their full spine together due to injuries and suspensions.
Cleary believes it good for the key players in the side to get a handful of game under their belts before the finals series begins.
"We had a couple of guys we potentially could've rest but the spine weren't any of those,"
"Once the spine is playing all the other combinations feed off that.
"The guys aren't looking tired and they enjoy playing footy so we thought it was important to get everyone another game.
"I'm happy with what we got out of tonight."
Penrith will now play South Sydney in the qualifying final on Saturday night.
Connor Watson and the Knights will head into their elimination final next week against Parramatta after a loss to Brisbane on Saturday.
The Knights struggled to score points in the first half in their clash at Suncorp Stadium eventually losing 35-22.
It could very well be Watson's last game for the club next weekend as he will depart for the Sydney Roosters next season.
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