The Tigers knocked off minor premiership winning Panthers sides on their way to decider victories in 2014 and 2015, but with the shoe on the other foot this year, Mick Carter’s side won 8-0 in a defensive slog against Bloomfield on Saturday.

First half tries to Aceson Rowley and Cody Howe proved the difference on the scoreboard, but it was the men in black’s willingness to rush up off their line and put pressure on the Tigers huge forwards that proved telling.

With that tactic working a treat, Panthers’ kept Bloomfield camped in their own half for virtually the entire second period, forcing the minor premiership-winning Tigers into errors at key moments of the Glen Willow grand final.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Carter said.

“They’ve gotten us the last two years in the grand final so it’s great to get that monkey off the back. 

Panthers’ prop Tallis Tobin was instrumental in the win, as was fullback Jesse Limon – the former producing a performance his name sake, the raging bull Gordon Tallis, would have been proud of.

While for the Tigers, diminutive fullback Josh Sutherland threw self preservation out the window as he charged straight at the massive Panthers pack in a bid to get his side on the front foot.

Pivot Jackson Hill was also strong in the halves.

But the morning belonged to Panthers.

“We were confident we’d be there abouts this year,” Carter added.

“The last two years we’d been minor premiers and they’ve gotten us both times. It’s good to get one back on them.”

BATHURST PANTHERS 8 (Aceson Rowley, Cody Howe tries) def BLOOMFIELD TIGERS 0