Penrith overcame an error-riddled and scrappy performance to score a last gasp win over the Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium this afternoon.
The win came amongst sombre news that club legend Luke Lewis won’t play again for the club, and will miss out on a farewell appearance at Centrebet Stadium next weekend.
Lewis has again undergone surgery on a neck problem, a sour ending to his long and enduring service to the Panthers.
Without Lewis and a host of other stars, the Panthers debuted two youngsters in Tom Eisenhuth and Adam Docker against the Warriors today, both having solid debuts in a tough encounter across the Tasman.
The Warriors looked like they’d hang on for a much-needed win despite Penrith having plenty of second half opportunities, but with just three minutes on the clock, Sam McKendry produced a great bust, which set up a Travis Robinson try to level the scores at 16-all.
Luke Walsh nailed the conversion and Penrith stayed tough to hold out the Warriors in the final minutes to win 18-16.
It was an ordinary game of footy with Penrith’s 14 errors only compounded by the Warriors’ 15, both sides struggling to complete sets throughout the game.
The Warriors had the better of the first half though, Ben Henry and Shaun Johnson crossing for tries to set up a 10-0 lead.
Penrith gained some much-needed confidence when Kevin Kingston scored close to half-time, but the Warriors got out to a 10-point lead again when Henry crossed for his second try in the 46th minute.
Penrith fought hard, and were eventually rewarded when Lachlan Coote crossed with 20 minutes remaining.
Despite being invited into attacking territory by the Warriors countless times, Penrith lost their way in the final quarter of the game, at one stage failing to complete more than a handful of consecutive sets.
But with only a two point deficit to claw back, Penrith only needed one opportunity and it came when Robinson danced his way to the line in the dying minutes.
Depending on other results across the weekend, the win could ensure Penrith moves safely away from wooden spoon calculations.
