Panthers beat Roosters, Cronulla Sharks hold off North Queensland Cowboys

Nathan Cleary has warmed up for State of Origin II with another masterclass, leading the Penrith Panthers to a 38-12 thrashing of the Sydney Roosters.

Amid questions of how he would rebound after Origin I, Cleary gave what was his finest performance of the year.

The Penrith half-back effectively booted the Roosters out of the match with his kicking game, while also setting up two tries and scoring one.

The Roosters' record against the competition's top sides remains a concern, now 0-4 against fellow top-five teams.

Meanwhile, the Cronulla Sharks have registered four NRL wins in a row for the first time since 2018 as it held on to beat the North Queensland Cowboys 26-24.

In today's games, the Knights meet the Warriors at 5pm, the Dragons meet the Raiders at 7.30 tonight and the Wests Tigers face Melbourne Storms at 9.35 tonight.