After facing Penrith in Round 11, the Western Suburbs Magpies were preparing to take on the competition leaders for the second time in four weeks.
The Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg Cup side faced a fellow top-three outfit in the Panthers, who sat just one point behind them on the ladder heading into Round 14.
KOE NSW Cup vs Panthers: 30-16 loss
The Magpies conceded two converted tries early, with the Panthers opening up a 12-0 lead.
A 25-metre breakaway from Danny Gabrael gave the Magpies their first points of the match, with Javon Andrews adding the conversion to bring the score back to 12-6.
Soon after, interchange forward Josese Lanyon powered over for the Magpies second try. Although the Panthers successfully kicked a penalty goal, the match remained tight at 14-10 heading into the sheds.
It wasn't to be the Magpies' afternoon, however, as Penrith ran in four second half tries to extend their lead to 30-10.
Despite a strong effort across the park and a try to Mitchell Taotua in the closing minutes, the Magpies were unable to mount a comeback, falling 30-16 to the visitors.
Jersey Flegg vs Panthers: 30-22 loss
In the second match of the afternoon, the Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg Cup side started on the back foot, allowing Penrith to storm to a 24-point lead in the opening 22 minutes.
A scoreline that looked impossible to reel in wasn't enough to deter Shane Sultana's men, with a try to Xavier Tauaifaiga on the stroke of half-time keeping the home side's hopes alive.
It was halfback, Bailey Smith who opened the scoring in the second half, with Jack Attard converting to narrow the margin to 24-10.
Soon after Smith's try, Jeriko Talisau was able to score, further closing the gap and bringing the Tigers firmly back into the contest – Attard's conversion reduced the deficit to just eight points.
A 60th-minute try from Jack Biles, after powering through Penrith's defensive line, was converted to bring the score to 24-22.
Although there was a spirited fightback from the Tigers, a 75th-minute try to the Panthers sealed the result, with the home side unable to complete a remarkable comeback, falling 30-22.
