A Bryce Cartwright try after the siren has given Penrith a dramatic 20-18 NRL win over neighbouring rivals Parramatta.
Cartwright dummied his way over for his second try after receiving a ball from Waqa Blake, who soared to take a wobbly crossfield kick from Jamie Soward in the 80th minute.
Aided by a crucial bunker overturn at a scrum late in the game, Josh Mansour had crossed to score a try in the 76th minute, bringing the Panthers within two points, however Soward’s conversion sailed wide.
At that point the Panthers appeared headed for their fourth defeat by eight points or less.
However the visitors surged upfield at Pirtek Stadium, Cartwright finishing off Soward’ hail mary kick at the death to stun the 15,600 crowd and celebrate captain Matt Moylan’s return after a year out with injury.
Earlier, both sides were denied tries in a close first half.
It was Eels prop Junior Paulo who was the unlikely source of first points, crashing over from close range in the 23rd minute.
The Eels then appeared headed for another first half shutout of their opposition until Cartwright wrestled his way over to level the scores at 6-all at the break.
His try ended a 197-minute defensive stand where the Eels conceded just one try.
Penrith hooker Peter Wallace gave his team the lead with a sneaky try from close range in the 43rd minute, only for former Panther Michael Gordon to level the scores in the 64th.
Hosts Parramatta then surged to the lead in the next set when Isaac De Gois finished off a 50-metre movement that included a chip from Clinton Gutherson.
Albo
Guest
The kick was a miracle play ! The miracle was that Waqa Blake actually competed for the ball and then actually caught it, held onto it and passed it ! Now all that is definitely a miracle ! But the Panthers were way overdue for a touch of luck ! They copped a heap of bad penalty decisions in that game. Soward's form this year has been ordinary at best. He needs to leave the final tackle plays to Moylan or Martin from now on and he can go practise his goal kicking.
MAX
Guest
Knowing that Kieran is one of the few people on earth to say no to Des it should not come as a surprise. In fact it further emphasises why Des wanted him at Belmore. How would you like to have a headmaster like Kieran. No disciplinary problems.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Then you realised he was one on one with Norman?
HandsOffBlack7
Guest
Yes and no on Soward so far... He has been missing that extra playmaker next to him. I think he has done well so far this year, essentially calling the shots himself for 80 minutes. Having Moylan back from injury appeared to take some pressure off Soward, and the return of Segyaro (whenever that is??) will help even more.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It was a beauty wasn't it MAX... He went over and patted Gutherson on the head afterwards but Gutherson will know how he was feeling when he watches the replay. Not that I imagine he'll be rushing to re-watch that one.
steve b
Roar Guru
Yes Jimmy he is the weakest link.
jimmmy
Guest
Steve b , Gutherson has been poor all year. Not sure if they have a ready made replacement but I would give someone else a go. Taka must be having nightmares about setting him up only for the pas to be dropped.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
I thought the kick was incredible. It was amazing how it curled back and couldn't have been better positioned. I've go to say though that Sowie this year seems to be average for most of the 80 minutes but comes up with one of two key plays. If Panthers learn how to win the close games they could be top 8.
James Dean ( seriously )
Guest
Good to see a real mix of sides winning so far this year , well not all are experiencing that winning feeling though .
steve b
Roar Guru
Takairangi and Semi need to be together Gutherson yesterday although doing some good had a shocker .And Jennings has got to stop with the sideways crap. Some of the decisions from the refs yesterday didn't do either side any favours very poor indeed but not as bad as the Sharks game they had to beat the refs as well .
MAX
Guest
The look that Foran gave Gutherson after the 3rd? dropped pass would turn most human beings into stone. Lady Luck distributed favours evenly in this match and her timing was perfect.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I agree. I think they should swap wings and put Takairangi and Semi back together. Yesterday Gutherson was set up at least three times by his center and couldn't catch the ball....Semi would have got those tries and the game would have been over much earlier. Semi is wasted outside Jennings.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Poor Semi isn't seeing much of the ball this year and when Jennings does feed it to him the ball he has no space as Jennings runs sideways.
The Barry
Roar Guru
"Wobbly" and "Hail Mary". Tough descriptions of what I thought was a beautifully placed and perfectly executed banana kick from Soward. Lovely bit of skill in a clutch moment.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I almost thought Cartwright blew it by hogging that final ball from his winger