THE Sawtell Panthers have hosted their Indigenous Round match against the Nambucca Heads Roosters in their Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League game at Rex Hardaker Oval.

The Panthers took the field wearing Indigenous-themed jerseys designed by the club’s Indigenous liaison officer, Kevin Dumas.

Panthers’ life member and local elder, Ray Robinson, gave a great welcome to country and his son, Troy Robinson, gave everyone there a great insight into the past, present, and future of the local Indigenous community

The Nambucca Heads Roosters showed why they are the big improvers this season with a 48-28 victory, a crucial win for their finals chances.

The Roosters showed the attacking flair and prowess they have displayed throughout the season to take a 28-6 lead into the half-time break.

The Panthers showed great passion and fighting spirit in the second half to cut the lead to 34-22 with less than 20 minutes to go.

But two late tries to the Roosters sealed the win for the visitors.

It was a spirited second half for the Panthers, as their defence shut down the Roosters for most of the 40 minutes, with the home side winning the second half 22-20.

Robert Smith scored four tries for the Roosters, while Logan Jones scored a hat trick.

The Panthers travel to take on the Woolgoolga Seahorses this weekend, before their final home game of the season against the Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies on Saturday, 5 August.

By Aiden BURGESS