Match Centre

FULL TIME - Penrith hold on for a thrilling 26-20 win.

The Cowboys threw everything at them but Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards come together to force an error from Valentine Holmes and the Panthers survive a big scare.

Late drama as a bizarre last tackle option sees Scott Drinkwater chip and Nathan Cleary tackles him without the ball. Penalty. Final chance for the Cowboys, two minutes left.

Dylan Edwards almost scores but some scrambling Cowboys deny him. The Panthers then butcher it on the left edge as the ball spills into touch.

Mitch Kenny though now forces an error from Reuben Cotter. Penrith 20 out with another chance to go seven ahead.

They do just that and Griffin Neame has it.

Nathan Cleary forces a dropout. But a chance here for the Cowboys to use their height advantage on the dropout.

Semi Valemei drops a Nathan Cleary bomb. Panthers 30 out.

Reece Robson collects Izack Tago high. Penalty 10 out.

The Cowboys have defended well so far but concede a six again on the fourth.

A crusher tackle ruled now on Thomas Mikaele and the Panthers have a chance to put this to bed.

Big play from Taylan May who dives on a loose ball on an errant pass.

Brian To'o drops a bomb and the Cowboys have a full set 20 out. Penrith complaining about a disruptor but can't challenge.

Challenge successful with a high tackle ruled.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki now drops the ball just over halfway. The Cowboys challenge it.

Nathan Cleary's dropout doesn't go 10. Cowboys 10 out.

Dropout and more pressure coming.

The Cowboys are suddenly back in scoring position after a break from Kyle Feldt down the right sideline, followed by a six-again call soon after.

Dylan Edwards comes down with a bomb and the ball is dislodged by Scott Drinkwater but with no challenge the Panthers can't do anything.

Cowboys with first use of it as the second half begins.

CLOSE! Jarome Luai with a beautiful short ball to Luke Garner who is over to score but it is ruled forward.

Tomas Chester is out for the game with a hamstring injury.

The Cowboys are penalised and gift the Panthers cheap field position... could they land a hammer blow before halftime?

Mitch Kenny forces an error with a brutal shot and the Panthers are 10 out.

The Cowboys look to have gone over through Jeremiah Nanai off a kick but Reece Robson threw it forward to Chad Townsend out of dummy-half.

Tomas Chester hobbles off and looks to be done for the day with a hamstring issue.

This is self-inflicted pressure but this defensive resolve from Penrith may well win the premiers the game, especially if they score next. No points on that set for the hosts.

Now Matt Eisenhuth makes an error 20 out. The Panthers are killing themselves right now and really missing Moses Leota and Scott Sorensen.

Well, the Panthers have come up with some poor errors to put themselves under pressure but boy do they make up for it with their defence. First, Dylan Edwards with a spectacular try-saving tackle on Jeremiah Nanai in a one-on-one effort before three Panthers swarm to stop Reuben Cotter.

Lindsay Smith with a poor error now near halfway.

Jeremiah Nanai gets first grab at a kick on the last but drops it.

Nathan Cleary sees space open up and takes on the line looking to offload but drops it. Cowboys ball on their 40.

Well defended by NQ though as Scott Drinkwater reads the Nathan Cleary kick on the last well. Cowboys working it out from their own end.

Six again conceded by NQ on the fourth tackle... that hurts. Penrith over halfway on the first.

Both sides back to trading sets now with not a whole lot between them early in this game. Penrith's metres from its outside backs proving the only real difference so far.

A great set in defence from Penrith but the Panthers will have to absorb more pressure as the Cowboys force a dropout.

The Bunker though rules there wasn't intent to strip. Cowboys 10 out. Don't agree with that one myself but it was a close call either way.

It was actually Taylan May who coughed it up and Tomas Chester looks to have stripped it.

Penrith cough it up immediately but challenge the knock-on call on Mitch Kenny.

Cowboys have possession as Nathan Cleary drilled his dropout towards the sideline but nothing comes of this set as Reuben Cotter drops it.

An early kick but Brian To'o is onto it. Dropout incoming.

Finally a penalty for the Cowboys who are in attacking territory for the first time in the game. Let's see if Penrith is just as locked in defensively.

Both sides trading sets now but Penrith not giving up any cheap metres to give the Cowboys easy field position.

A great end to the set after points as Taylan May perfectly times his chase to tackle Scott Drinkwater on his 20.

And a similar set for NQ who have Dylan Edwards on his 20 on the first tackle but Reuben Cotter gives away a relieving penalty.

Nathan Cleary completes on the last and the Cowboys start their first set on their 20.

Underway. Penrith with first use of it.

Good evening and welcome to live coverage of tonight's game between the Cowboys and Panthers.