James Maloney has produced two inspiring defensive plays to inspire Penrith to an impressive 16-14 thriller over Newcastle.
Maloney has been chastised for most of his career over his defensive blues.
But the 32-year-old came up with the goods when his team needed it most, beginning with a second-half bellringer on Connor Watson to force a turnover.
And while it may not have resulted in points, moments later the veteran prevented Edrick Lee from a near-certain try when he stripped the winger over the line.
A Mitch Barnett rampage with seven minutes to play set up a grandstand finish, but the Panthers held on to secure their first win of the season.
Maloney was also involved in two of Penrith's three tries in an all-round display.
One week after getting crushed in the penalty count in their season-opening loss to Parramatta, it appeared Penrith's ill-discipline would cost them again.
They were pinged 5-1 in the opening 13 minutes and were down 2-0.
But Ivan Cleary's side slowly regained their footing to claim the lead on a well-executed set play for James Fisher-Harris.
And while Kalyn Ponga got one back on his cutout pass for Lee, the Panthers entered the break in front on Malakai Watene-Zelezniak's miracle effort.
The Panthers winger tapped back a Nathan Cleary grubber well over the dead-ball line for club debutant Frank Winterstein to ground.
The visitors extended the lead courtesy of Isaah Yeo, who suffered his second concussion in as many weeks after copping a stray elbow from a teammate.
It was reported Yeo had failed his head injury assessment after failing to get back after 15 minutes, however, club doctors cleared him to return.
And the Panthers co-captain scored a crucial second-half try when he dragged five defenders over the line to give his team an eight-point lead.
Both sides had opportunities to seize the initiative, including chances for Ponga and Waqa Blake, in an enthralling second half contest.
AAP
