Off-contract Cronulla star Shaun Johnson launched a 35m field goal with 90 seconds on the clock as competition leaders Penrith slumped to a second straight loss.
The Sharks led 18-0 at the break only for the Panthers – minus their Origin stars Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Kurt Capewell – to pull level late in the game.
But Johnson held his nerve and added the extra point to spark wild scenes at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Johnson has already been told by the club he will not be required next year, and his ability to pinch the game under pressure will not be lost on rival clubs.
“It wasn’t the news I wanted to hear [being told to move on]. I had hoped to see out my career here, and they gave me my opportunity three years ago,” Johnson said after the 19-18 win.
Plenty of Sharks fans would have questioned if Penrith should have been allowed get to so close in the first place, especially when play was stopped by a Penrith trainer as Cronulla were on the attack.
Viliame Kikau had gone down on the far side of the field and the trainer signalled to referee Ashley Klein to stop play. Under rules introduced this year, trainers can ask for play to be stopped, but the player must be taken from the field for two minutes or be interchanged.
The stop in play halted Cronulla’s momentum and they bombed a golden chance for more points or even a repeat set. Cronulla caretaker coach Josh Hannay labelled the incident “ridiculous”.
Phil Gould said on the Nine commentary the stoppage rule needed to be looked at, especially given Kikau had been able to run nearly 90m just seconds beforehand, and cheekily added: “Put that down for a try-save for the physiotherapist.”
