The Black and Whites win over Yanco-Wamoon has been soured by a serious injury to Kane Simpson.
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The Panthers were in the box seat before Simpson was taken down in a tackle by Yanco-Wamoon's Troy Preston and unfortunately got his ankle caught in a bad position leading to a break.
"It is a clean break to his ankle, and it's unfortunate, but that is the game of rugby league sometimes," Panthers co-coach Uafu Lavaka said.
"We will have him in our prayers and keep in touch because it is a big loss for us, but we just have to continue with what we have got in the squad."
Joey Peato was able to continue his great try-scoring form with the first two tries before Uafu Lavaka barged his way over the line to push the home side out to a 16-0 lead.
Paul Ta'avao was able to hit back for the Hawks before Solo Toru and Wame Belolevu, pushing the Panthers lead to 24-4 at halftime.
Just after the break, Belolevu was able to push through the Hawks defence resulting in a try to Oleni Ngungutau.
Despite having David Collett in the sin bin for a late hit on Simpson, The Hawks pulled another try back with Will Kelly getting over the line before, with 28 minutes remaining, Simpson suffered his unfortunate accident.
After a 20-minute break, while Simpson was attended to, the Black and Whites were able to pile on the points.
After some slick kicking Stephen Broome was able to cross on his return to the side before Semi Tafili, Belolevu and Gospel Toru all found their way over the line.
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Peato wrapped up the game with his third of the game and gave the Black and Whites a 58-10 victory.
The return of Broome to the squad is well-timed, given Simpson looks set for an extended stint on the sideline.
"He brings a lot of experience into our side and has been in a similar role in previous years," he said.
"With Kane missing, there is a lot of depth there within our playing squad that will be able to fit in."
Lavaka felt their success came from the Panthers knowing what role they needed to perform.
"Knowing their positions and where to play and a think that comes down to Stephen's experience and he got our edges prepared well," he said.
The Black and Whites will head out to Lake Cargelligo next weekend.
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