Rugby League: Warriors skin Panthers

The New Zealand Warriors stormed into the top eight of the NRL for the first time this season after a comprehensive 52-8 drubbing of the hapless Penrith Panthers at Ericsson Stadium.

The Warriors crossed for five tries in each half and Ivan Cleary notched six conversions to bring up 1000 career points.

The try scorers were Clinton Toopi (2), Logan Swann (2), Francis Meli (2), Justin Murphy (2), Henry Fa'afili and Ritchie Blackmore.

For the bottom-placed Panthers, fullback Rhys Wesser and centre Ryan Girdler crossed for second half consolation tries.

The win sees the Warriors take points from two consecutive games in a row for the first time this season after their back from the dead 24-24 draw against the Bulldogs last weekend.