Overview

• An 84th-minute Nathan Cleary field-goal attempt hit the upright, triggering a breakout as Jed Stuart fed Ethan Strange, who sent Kaeo Weekes away for the length-of-the-field match-winner in Mudgee.
• Canberra prevailed 20-16 after both sides squandered late chances, with Jamal Fogarty missing two potential go-ahead goals and field-goal attempts also missed by Weekes and Cleary.
• The Bunker earlier upheld the on-field no-try call against Canberra in the first half, preserving Penrith’s lead at the break.
• Ricky Stuart confirmed winger Xavier Savage suffered an AC joint injury and did not return for the second half.
• The defeat marked Penrith’s second straight golden-point loss and added scrutiny to Dylan Edwards’ recent handling errors heading into the finals.