Nathan Cleary Returns in Style as Panthers Blow Away Roosters with First-Half Blitz

Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary made a triumphant return from injury as his side thrashed the Sydney Roosters 26-0 in a one-sided NRL clash at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.

Cleary, who had missed the past two games with a shoulder injury, showed no signs of rust as he orchestrated Penrith's dominant display. He set up the Panthers' opening try for Taylan May in the 10th minute and then scored one of his own four minutes later.

The Panthers continued to pile on the pressure in the first half, with tries to Stephen Crichton and Scott Sorensen giving them a commanding 20-0 lead at the break.

The Roosters, who were without injured halfback Luke Keary, failed to trouble the scoreboard in the first half and their attack never really got going in the second.

The Panthers added another try to their tally in the second half, with Liam Martin crossing in the 65th minute to seal a comprehensive victory.

The win sees the Panthers move back into the top four on the NRL ladder, while the Roosters remain in eighth spot.

Cleary's return a major boost for Panthers

Cleary's return is a major boost for the Panthers, who have struggled without their star halfback in recent weeks.

In Cleary's absence, the Panthers lost consecutive games to the Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights.

But with Cleary back in the side, the Panthers looked like a different team. They were dominant in all areas of the field and never looked like losing.

Roosters' attack misfires

The Roosters' attack was misfiring on all cylinders on Friday night.

Without Keary, the Roosters lacked creativity and direction in attack.

The Roosters also made a number of errors, which gifted the Panthers possession and field position.

What's next for both teams?

The Panthers will travel to Brisbane to take on the Broncos next Friday night.

The Roosters will host the Gold Coast Titans at the Sydney Cricket Ground next Saturday night.