Panthers too good for Storm in NRL
Penrith fullback Rhys Wesser strengthened his claims for the Queensland fullback spot with a match-winning performance as the Panthers picked up their second win of the season with a 36-16 victory over Melbourne at Penrith Stadium.
Wesser scored two tries, had another disallowed and produced a try-saving tackle on Melbourne forward Ryan Hoffman in arguably the most complete fullback performance of the season.
The Queensland custodian also edged Melbourne's Billy Slater - one of his competitors for the Maroons No.1 jersey - although the Storm fullback was among his side's best.
The brilliant Wesser has now scored six tries in five premiership games this season and is applying pressure to incumbent Australian fullback Anthony Minichiello ahead of a preliminary Test squad to be named on Monday for the upcoming Anzac Test against New Zealand.
Wesser crossed for his first try in the 13th minute when he got to a pinpoint Craig Gower stab kick before adding another four-pointer in the 72nd minute, taking a Luke Lewis pass and hurdling Storm players to dive over in the corner, the try sealing Penrith's victory.
Campbell crossed for his second in the 78th minute to put the exclamation point on the Penrith victory.
The Panthers started well and took a 12-6 lead into the halftime break.
They extended their lead three minutes after the break when Campbell stepped around Scott Hill and converted his own try.
The Storm should have hit back almost immediately through Hill.
The Kangaroos utility stepped his way into space but a diving Frank Pritchard knocked the ball from his grasp as he went to place it over the line.
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