The Panthers and Warriors came out firing with three huge first half hits that light up Suncorp Stadium and left players from both teams battered and bruised.
New Zealand winger Marcelo Montoya started the string of brutal blows with a strong run, bumping off superstar halfback Nathan Cleary.
The Panthers gun was sent flying and Montoya earned his team a penalty, erupting into celebrations when referee Todd Smith blew his whistle.
Watch every game of NRL’s Magic Round LIVE in HD, with no ad-breaks during play on Fox League, available on Foxtel and Kayo >
“Every single carry has the venom and the passion of that, he’s been outstanding,” league legend Michael Ennis said.
The next came 17 minutes into the contest, with Edward Kosi doing his best impression of a heat-seeking missile.
Panthers centre Stephen Crichton reeled in a wayward pass and was met by the Warriors winger in a bone-rattling collision.
While Crichton grabbed at his chin, it was Kosi who came off second best with the Warriors trainer testing for a knee injury.
“Kosi, oh my goodness what a shot, he wrapped him up. Crichton feeling the chin,” commentator Warren Smith said.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Broncos keep Sea Eagles super quiet | 02:45
MORE NRL NEWS
REPORT CARD: Every team graded, their standout star and biggest issue to address
‘NOT DOING THEIR JOB’: Ciraldo roasts ‘soft’ Dogs in savage post-game take-down
‘I DON’T MIND SAYING IT’: Ricky’s ultimate ‘integrity’ call on Raiders legend
BIG HITS: Origin contender gets ‘better and better’ as Manly ‘chase their tail’
“The whiplash you are right, brings the chin forward to his shoulder,” Ennis said.
“The supporters on that far side of the field just rose, the contact was brutal from Ed Kosi.”
Kosi hobbled for the remainder of the first half, and Crichton clearly was seeking revenge and spotted his target in the 23rd minute.
Warriors playmaker Dylan Walker was thrown a hospital pass from hooker Wayde Egan and paid the price.
Crichton flattened Walker in a tackle that mirrored that of Kosi earlier in the first half and Ennis erupted.
The Panthers centre also walked over his opponent as if he’d just pulled off a highlight reel dunk in the NBA.
“Crichton, he levelled Dylan Walker, what about the contact here today,” Smith said.
“Revenge, whack. Right into the sternum of Dylan Walker, what a shot from the Penrith centre,” Ennis said.
