New Zealand Warriors stunned with their pregame show as part of Indigenous Round.
The Wahs celebrated their Maori heritage with a performance of the haka, led by captain James Fisher-Harris.
Moments before three performers took centre stage with a routine right in front of Penrith Panthers.
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The performances stunned viewers and may have struck fear into Panthers, as Wahs quickly raced into the lead through a try from Erin Clark inside four minutes.
Luke Metcalf then scored just seven minutes later with the Wahs impressing as much on the field as off it.
“Absolutely stunning scenes at Go Media Stadium,” said Fox Sports commentator Mick Ennis.
“The passion just oozing out. It shows the influence of Erin Clark and how much of a leader of this Warriors side he has become, so too James Fisher-Harris.
”This has prelim final feel about it. It’s got an energy about it tonight that’s a lot more than a regular two points.”
Fans were also left impressed and heaped praise on the Warriors.
“First time I’ve had tingles in a while from a haka. Bet the Aussie warriors boys won’t forget being behind a haka ever,” said fan Michael Minty.
“That was some entrance by the warriors holy moley,” added X user @theresa07.
“What a haka that was,” commented @llouiieelfc.
“The Haka, will NEVER not be captivating!! Truly amazing, every time it’s performed,” wrote Marty King.
It appeared the occasion may have got to Penrith as they found themselves trailing 18-0 at halftime.
Their fortune was not helped by Paul Alamoti going to the bin in the 24th minute, with the Warriors taking advantage as Chanel Harris-Tavita scored a third try moments later thanks to sensational work from Leka Halasima.
The centre lived up to his wrecking ball nickname, storming down the field with two huge runs to set up the try, earning comparisons to former cross-code Kiwi superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
“Halasima, what an athlete this kid is. Leka the wrecker, what a run,” Andrew Voss said in commentary. “What are we watching from Leka Halasima. It’s a different model from a Sonny Bill Williams but the destruction is much the same.
“It’s brute force, plus balance, speed and natural ability. It’s the whole package.”
Ennis added: “What a talent they’ve unearthed across the Tasman. This young bloke is an absolute freak.
”When we think we get a generational player like a Sonny Bill Williams, we then unearth another. It’s continued over the years to deliver these incredible players.”
Penrith’s nightmare continued when captain Isaah Yeo suffered a suspected pectoral injury while attempting a tackle late in the first half.
The Panthers face an agonising wait to learn whether co-captain Yeo’s season is over after the star lock suffered a pectoral injury in Friday night’s loss.
Yeo’s injury comes as a shocking blow to Penrith’s quest for a fifth premiership in six years and could also rule the Kangaroos skipper out of the World Cup at the end of the season.
The star lock forward will undergo scans in coming days, but early signs were not good for the four-time premiership winner.
Asked an hour after the match if he had a clear diagnosis on Yeo, a despondent Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was unsure.
“Not really, but it doesn’t look great,” Cleary said.
Faced with the real possibility he has lost one of his best players just four weeks out from the finals, Cleary said his team would have to deal with whatever cards they are dealt from Yeo’s scans.
“Obviously, Yeoy is a big loss and hard to replace, but that’s how it goes,” Cleary said.
“If that’s the case, we’ll have to.”
They were able to mount a comeback of sorts and if not for an offside call could have got the scoreline back to 22-18, before the Wahs went up the other end to seal the clash 28-12.
“Huge concerns there. He’s clutching bicep or pec,” Ennis said of Yeo’s injury.
“This is a big story. The reaction on his face was that of devastation. Isaah Yeo has been so durable for years.
“Stunning news…Isaah Yeo with what looks to be a bicep or pec injury. It could be a monumental blow to their premiership credentials.”
The Panthers are now facing the prospect of falling short of winning the minor premiership, with next Thursday’s clash against the Roosters shaping as a clash for the J.J. Giltinan Shield.
– With NewsWire