The Panthers and the Cowboys have shared the points after a 30-30 goden point draw with Ivan Cleary blowing up after a controversial missed off-side proved crucial.
Blaize Talagi produced a flat round the corner pass to put Isaiah Papali’i over as the Panthers took an early lead.
Jeremiah Nanai jumped for a ball from Scott Drinkwater and he and Tom Dearden handled twice to score the Cowboys a long-range stunner and square the scores.
Nathan Cleary and Talagi combined to put Luke Garner over as the Panthers took back the lead.
Talagi produced his third try assist to put Garner over for a double with a superb grubber as the Panthers took control.
“The kick was absolutely perfect from the boot of Talagi,” Kevvie Walters said.
“Blaize is on fire,” Voss added.
Scott Drinkwater produced some silky hands to put a rampaging Viliami Vailea over as the Cowboys cut the lead to 18-12 just before half-time.
Jaxon Purdue set up a long-range team try for Jake Clifford to dive over as the Cowboys drew level.
Talagi then produced a stunning chip kick for Garner to score his second as the Panthers took back the lead with his fourth try assist.
Talagi capped a superb display with a try after pouncing on an error by the Cowboys in the in-goal to all but seal the result.
Robert Derby finished off a brilliant try set up by Vailea to set up a grandstand finish.
Dearden then finished off another long-range try set up by Drinkwater as the Cowboys drew level at 30-all.
The Cowboys appeared to escape an off-side penalty when the ball hit Scott Drinkwater’s foot and was caught by John Bateman in an off-side position.
Both sides had their chances in golden point, but ultimately had to share the spoils.
MATCH PREVIEW
Tom Dearden and the North Queensland Cowboys host Nathan Cleary and the Penrith Panthers in a blockbuster clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
For the Cowboys Kai O’Donnell comes onto the bench with Coen Hess starting for Jason Taumalolo, who was ruled out, while the Panthers are 1-17.
One forced change for the Cowboys, and it’s a big one. Skipper Reuben Cotter will miss two games after copping a ban for a high shot. The in-form Sam McIntyre moves into jersey No. 13. McIntyre is as versatile as they come, and won’t look out of place as a ball-playing lock forward. With Cotter dropping out, barnstorming prop Tom Mikaele gets an overdue opportunity. He will add plenty of punch to a Cowboys forward pack which has been inconsistent this season.
The cavalry has arrived for Penrith, who found their best form in a win over Brisbane during Magic Round. Star winger Brian To’o is available after missing over a month of football with a hamstring injury. In addition, key spine member Mitch Kenny returns and has been named in the No. 9 jersey while Brad Schneider will wear jersey No. 14 in his first game back from an eye injury. That means Trent Toelau will drop out of the side as will hooker Luke Sommerton. To’o will start on the left wing, with Thomas Jenkins dropping to the interchange bench in what shapes as a peculiar decision from Ivan Cleary. The 24-year-old has only ever played on the wing, in the centres and has featured once at fullback at NRL level, with two appearances off the bench in reserve grade. Jenkins has been impressive on return for the Panthers, climbing his way up the backline pecking order and leapfrogging the likes of Casey McLean and Jesse McLean. Penrith officials were of the belief Jenkins was the best NSW Cup player early in the season, and as such he was awarded an opportunity to return to first grade. He took it with both hands in a solid display at fullback against the Storm, but appearing on the bench and potentially playing in the middle of the park shapes as a tough ask for the outside back. Jenkins inclusion could also hint that Brian To’o will have to pass fitness tests to take the field in Round 10. Elsewhere, Schneider’s inclusion as the bench utility shapes as an interesting call with Toelau having started at hooker in a big win over the Broncos. Toelau arguably is a better option at dummy-half, whereas Schneider is more adept in the halves which may have been the deciding factor for Cleary. Meanwhile, Luke Sommerton was also dropped to 18th man after a handful of solid performances in Kenny’s absence. Unfortunately for the rising hooker, Penrith’s reliable No.9 consistently plays 80 minutes and therefore there is no need to pick a second hooker on the pine.
TEAMS
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 17. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 22. Kai O’Donnell. 18th man: 18. Zac Laybutt
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Thomas Jenkins. 18th man: 18. Luke Sommerton