The Panthers fought their way to an 18-14 triumph over Wests Tigers in an epic encounter at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
An intense, emotional battle unfolded as the Panthers came face-to-face with three premiership-winning ex-teammates, and the mountain men prevailed with an almighty effort.
Tom Jenkins spearheaded the victory, scoring all three Panthers tries in his first NRL hat-trick.
Highlights: Panthers v Wests Tigers
Nathan Cleary's goal-kicking and game management proved vital, as did the last-ditch defensive efforts of Dylan Edwards and Scott Sorensen.
The Tigers kept the Panthers on their toes for the full 80 minutes, but Penrith's class secured back-to-back victories for the first time in 2025.
The early exchanges were cagey but physical, before Tom Jenkins sparked the match to life.
Milk run!
Jenkins broke into the backfield from inside his own half and exchanged passes with Dylan Edwards, stopped only by Jahream Bula.
The Panthers would get the opening try moments later, with Jenkins duly rewarded. A perfectly executed scrum play sent him over in the corner, and Nathan Cleary nailed the sideline conversion for a 6-0 lead.
Jenkins scores the opener
The Tigers responded swiftly however, as back-to-back tries by Starford To’a and former Panther Sunia Turuva saw them skip ahead 10-6.
Penalties and errors plagued the Panthers throughout the opening 40 minutes, but they hung in and equalised on the stroke of half-time.
The left edge linked up to give Tom Jenkins another glimpse of the try line, and he slammed the ball down for his second.
Jenkins equalises on the siren
Nathan Cleary’s kick from the sideline cruelly struck the upright, leaving the scores locked 10-10.
More tense football followed in the second half, with both teams put to the test in defence.
The Panthers edged ahead in the 54th minute through a Cleary penalty goal, before Tom Jenkins completed his all-important hat-trick.
A pair of fantastic passes by Blaize Talagi and Casey McLean created space for Jenkins to score his third, teeing up Cleary for a clutch sideline conversion and an 18-10 lead after 64 minutes.
Jenkins completes hat-trick
The Tigers were not about to roll over, and set up a grandstand finish when Jeral Skelton scored in the corner. Adam Doueihi failed to convert from out wide, keeping the Panthers ahead by four with 10 minutes to play.
Dylan Edwards and Tom Jenkins faced an aerial assault in the closing stages, with the Tigers resorting to bomb kicks as they struggled for field position.
The Tigers looked set to snatch victory late on when Jack Bird won an aerial contest and offloaded to Jahream Bula, before Scott Sorensen produced a phenomenal try-saving tackle at the death.
Sorensen saves the day with crucial tackle
The Panthers navigated the final minutes with composure to secure a crucial victory ahead of their Round 15 bye.
