Debutant shines in Panthers fightback

v BYE

The Penrith Panthers have clawed their way to a 23-22 victory as debutant Te Maire Martin slot a field goal in the final minutes to secure the club's first win of season 2016 in front of 12,000 fans at Pepper Stadium.

The hosts started on the back foot with two consecutive Broncos' tries inside the first 15 minutes as Anthony Miford and Darius Boyd racked up four-pointers to make it a 10-0 lead.

After a review from the Bunker, Peta Hiku closed the gap to four points courtesy of a Tyrone Peachey grubber kick. Mid-way through the opening half, Broncos led 10-6.

Closing in on halftime, Brisbane clicked back into gear with another string of tries through Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford. Hunt added his name to the scorers sheet at the the 31st minute via a Sam Thaiday offload. This before Anthony Milford fooled the would-be defenders of Penrith to skip through the line. Brisbane 22-6 leaders after 35 minutes.

Bryce Cartwright cracked the Broncos defence in the shadows of the siren as the home side had the final say of the first half, although trailed at the break, 22-12.

The visiting Broncos failed to post any second half points as the Panthers ran in 13 points to steal victory in a stronger second half performance.

The first of the second half points came through Jeremy Latimore crossed the try line as he cleaned up a Jamie Soward deflected last tackle kick to grab his side's third try of the night. The second try posted as shining light for the Panthers, Te Maire Martin made it a 22-all score line as he grabbed his first NRL four-pointer at the 70th minute. Jamie Soward unable to break the deadlock as it appeared a grandstand finish was on the cards.

Martin's performance will be have many Wests Tigers supporters questioning how the youngster was released by the club. However, the Panthers counted their blessings with a 77th minute field goal dash the Broncos hopes of victory.

Next week the Panthers head south to Wollongong as the face the Dragons at WIN Stadium in Sunday afternoon football, while the Broncos return home for a Grand Final rematch with the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night.