Panther cubs withstand late Cronulla fightback to return to eight
Penrith's generation next had a night to remember, including one debutant who set up the first try and another first-timer who showed wonderful courage to officially end Cronulla's fightback.
The Panthers handed jerseys to debutants Matt Burton, 19, Stephen Crichton, 18 and Spencer Leniu, also 18, for their clash against the Sharks on a windy Friday evening at the foot of the mountains.
With no James Maloney and so many fresh faces, few gave the Panthers much hope.
But Penrith's class of 2019, led by 21-year-old Nathan Cleary and cheered on by 10,806 fans, gave a snapshot of what is to come during the next month and certainly the next few years.
The 26-20 win elevated Penrith above Cronulla back into the top eight with four weeks remaining. They will back themselves to get the job done against a struggling Brisbane next Friday night, especially with Maloney back from suspension.
The Panthers led by 22 points with 20 minutes remaining and had to survive a late scare as Cronulla raced in three tries.
But the win was sealed when Crichton jumped through the air and attacked a Chad Townsend bomb to deny the visitors. It was a big play by a big kid on the big stage. Coach Ivan Cleary had such faith he was happy to dump representative centre Dean Whare from the 17.
Burton and his left boot set up the opening try for a charging Brent Naden and was given a rock-star reception by the 100-strong support crew who had made the trek from his home-town Dubbo for his debut.
Leniu was injected into the game late and while he went close to scoring a try, his impact was limited. However, Penrith officials had been waiting to give the youngster his debut, and he will play a key role for the club for some time to come.
Cleary stood tallest when the club needed him and proved he will cope once Maloney departs for the Super League next year.
The halfback set up Dylan Edwards for his two tries and scored one himself right on half-time when he split Paul Gallen and Braden Hamlin-Uele.
His kicking game early in the second half was also brilliant as he forced three dropouts.
The Panthers led 20-4 at the break and were in complete control, running the ball with enthusiasm and refusing to let the Sharks come out of their own end.
The Sharks were dealt an early blow when they lost Matt Prior after six minutes to a rib injury after a big hit by Liam Martin.
Andrew Fifita also sent a scare through the Shire camp when he came from the field with six minutes on the clock clutching at his heavily strapped left knee.
James Fisher-Harris did a remarkable job to play the entire 80 minutes in the middle, and was still trying to line up Fifita before he came from the field late.
The return of Wiliame Kikau was also a huge plus for Penrith with the Fijian to strip fitter for the road trip to Suncorp Stadium.
Josh Mansour appeared to receive a poke to the eye late in the second half while fellow winger Brian To'o came from the field late for a head injury assessment.
PENRITH 26 (D Edwards 2 N Cleary B Naden tries N Cleary 5 goals) bt CRONULLA 20 (S Feki W Graham J Morris J Williams tries S Johnson 2 goals) at Panthers Stadium. Referees: Phil Henderson, Grant Atkins.