Penrith Panthers won 30-26 against Gold Coast Titans at Robina Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The four-time Premiers had to dig deep for that win against a Titans side who piled on four tries in the second half to lead 26-24 before a two-point field goal from Nathan Cleary and a Golden Point four-pointer from Blaize Talagi saw them victorious.
It was an arm wrestle in the opening stages of this contest. Beau Fermor went close for the Titans while Isaah Yeo tried to stretch out early for the Panthers in the sunshine.
Penrith struck first after piling up some repeat sets. Nathan Cleary put the kick right on the chest of Thomas Jenkins who rose highest to collect and score after it received bunker confirmation.
The visitors kept rolling forward and added further points on the right. It was a wide pass to Dylan Edwards who sliced through easily and made it 12-0 for the Panthers on the coast.
Next, it was another picture perfect kick from Cleary for the Panthers to score their third. He put it up for a contest and Blaize Talagi won the challenge and dotted down.
The fourth four-pointer just underscored how the afternoon has gone for the Titans. They earnt a repeat set then lost it right to Casey McLean who strolled away for 24-0 at the break.
Titans did get on the board in the second half. They thought it was through Phillip Sami who was robust in getting to the line but he stepped out then was collected high by Brian To'o for the penalty.
That resulted in the Titans making it 24-6. It was a simple inside pass for Brian Kelly who stepped past the defense to breach the Panthers line for the first time in over two hours of action.
Some poacher logic helped the Titans reduce the margin back to 14 points. Jayden Campbell snaffled an intercept and held off the chasing pack to slam it down and get the hosts back in the game.
The touch paper was lit just after the hour mark. Izack Tago was binned for a tackle on suspicion on Brian Kelly which left the Titans up a man chasing the game against the four-time Premiers.
They took quick advantage of the extra man. Jojo Fifita surged to the line and was held up just millimetres short. Next play, Sam Verrills dived over from close range to set up a big finish.
Titans weren't done yet though. AJ Brimson was able to push through the line, positioned the ball to his winger, Sami, who stepped away from the cover defense and bring it back to 24-22.
Gold Coast completed the comeback in spectacular fashion. A high kick rumbled around, hit the knees of Brimson then swung wide for Sami to get his second of the contest.
There was one final twist in the tail. Panthers spread it wide to give them room and looked to have got too close. Mitch Kenny with a huge pass to put Cleary behind the 40 metre and he drilled it for 26-all.
He tried to repeat the dose from the kick-off. Panthers pushed it up the field again. Cleary positioned himself behind the ruck again but this one didn't have the distance, so extra time.
The four-time Premiers showed their wares in Golden Point. Cleary spread it left to give them space then found McLean who in turn found Talagi to score the match winner and put the Panthers one-point within the eight.