The Panthers scored two tries in three minutes to reverse a 10 point deficit and record their second win of the NRL season.
Behind closed doors at Kogarah, the Panthers beat the Dragons 32-28 in a see-sawing match that could have gone either way.
The Dragons looked like they had the game won when they opened up a 28-18 lead mid-way through the second half, but quick tries to Viliame Kikau and Stephen Crichton put the Panthers back in front.
It was all one way traffic early in the match, with Penrith faring much better in the warm conditions to open up a quick 12-0 lead.
The Dragons fought back though, the game turning on an intercept try to Matt Dufty in the 22nd minute. From then, the Dragons dominated before Penrith’s late charge saw them get home.
Nathan Cleary was superb for Penrith – he scored 16 points, scored a brilliant try and took the line on with vigour.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said it was a nervous final 40 minutes.
“I was worried the whole second half pretty much,” Cleary said.
“That intercept hurt. We didn’t deal with that very well.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.