Penrith appear to have uncovered a superstar after debutant Te Maire Martin kicked them to an upset 23-22 NRL win over competition favourites Brisbane at Pepper Stadium on Saturday night.
After being a late inclusion for his first game, the former Junior Kiwis maestro scored to level the game 11 minutes from time before kicking the winning field goal to seal a dream debut game in first grade.
The Broncos looked to be storming to victory after opening up a 22-6 lead late in the first half, however the home team piled on 17 unanswered points to score their first win of the year.
Martin will now prove difficult to displace from the No.6 position after guiding his side to an unlikely victory.
Coach Anthony Griffin will have a difficult decision to make when hooker James Segeyaro returns from a broken arm in a month.
He must decide whether to shift regular pivot Peter Wallace, who has played No.9 for the last two weeks, back into the halves or leave him out.
The Broncos had the Panthers rocked early as they raced out to a healthy lead on the back of some Anthony Milford magic.
After scoring the first try of the game after 90 seconds, Milford set up Darius Boyd 11 minutes later before stepping through the line to get his double.
The Panthers looked on the ropes but after scoring both sides of the halftime siren, they turned the game on its head.
Panthers livewire back-rower Bryce Cartwright had a mixed game, coming up with key errors but proved the architect of his side’s second half fightback.
He scored 30 seconds from halftime to lift his team and when he drifted across field late in the second half, he created room for Martin to score and level up the scores.
Jamie Soward missed the conversion as well as a penalty attempt which would have sent his side ahead however Martin iced the game three minutes from time to seal a memorable win.
Broncos centre Jack Reed was taken from the field late in the game with a head knock and appeared to suffer a concussion.
The RiffMarn Stew Moses
Roar Guru
Personally I thought Reagan Campbell-Gillard was outstanding and would have got my man of the match (first error of the game aside). Played nearly 60 mins in Merrin's absence made over 170m and showed plenty of aggression in defence.
Bonza
Roar Rookie
A lot to like for Penrith, young cool headed ace, Mansour running hard, aggressive forwards and Moylan to come back. They should finally supply NSW with some players this year. Along with Semi Radradra who must have a relative in NSW somewhere.
The eye
Guest
Sowie's kicking game is too important..they've got some depth,haven't they ?
Jimmmy
Guest
If all players are fit and healthy , I would have Wallace on the bench or maybe the other way around and have segeraryo on the bench and Wallace to start at Nine. Moylan and Martin the halves and Soward to the Park Bench. The Panthers look good and have a lot of improvement in them. A Manly guy on this site told me Hiku was useless and lazy . I hope he is watching him play for Penrith.
Spongebob
Guest
Griffin vs Bennett 7 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
Cecil
Guest
Steve you should have written something about Peachy not Cartwright, he was outstanding. Not sounding disgruntled but Cartwright gets a lot of attention when plenty others are doing just as good or better. Will Smith needs to be in the side when Moylan returns but so does Martin, so where does that leave Soward and Wallace... One experienced half guiding them and Will Smith or Martin on the bench and other start? Penrith seem to be in a good place regarding their talented squad and most probably only get better once the pieces of the puzzle are solved for their starting 17 and pare injury free.
The eye
Guest
Hiku was outstanding,really involved,that hit on Kahu..Peachy is phenomenal..with their four best players,Moylan,Seggie,Merrin and Whare sitting on the sideline,not a bad little side..
MAX
Guest
Excellent summary Steve.One of the most enjoyable games this season. Great to see the young fellas standing up. Felt sorry for Will Smith. When Moylan returns they will become a top 4 contender. The toughness of Penrith was proven on Friday night. Woe behold the team who has to play the Western P's duo in succession. The pain and bruises linger longa.
Jimmmy
Guest
What a great game of footy. Hats off to Penrith and their coach. They were never going to beat the Broncs playing conservative footy. And conservative they were not .At times they were messy and undisciplined but they are an exciting side to watch. I will put the Panthers down as my second favourite side to watch ( of the ones I don't support), after the Tigers. Peachy, Cartwright, Mansour, etc are a delight to watch. And Peter Wallace has been outstanding at number 9. Maybe he should have played there his whole career. He has always been a great tackler and he seems really comfortable there. One game is not really a test but gee Martin looked good .He has that coolness about him.. If I was Nathan Brown I would show the Knights the video of the Panthers Field goal on a loop.It was the perfect set up. Mullins and Hodgekinson take note.In fact the pass from Soward To Martin as about the only decent thing Soward did in the game. He has lost interest. Soward to the retirement village and Moylan and Martin in the halves. And keep playing with flair.