Penrith's tumultuous season plunged to new depths on Friday night as the Warriors handed them a sixth consecutive loss with a 30-10 belting at Panthers Stadium.
An embarrassing second half collision between teammates Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dylan Edwards typified the Panthers' night.
Fixated on catching a Blake Green punt, the winger and fullback didn't communicate and smashed into each other, Watene-Zelezniak's shoulder jolting the ball loose from Edwards' grasp.
Debutant Brian To'o was forced to collect the Steeden from an offside position, conceding a penalty to the Warriors.
Fortunately, Watene-Zelezniak and Edwards emerged unscathed from the heavy contact, save for some bruised egos.
"A mix-up – a terrible collision!" said Fox League's Matt Russell.
"They get it horribly wrong."
Watch below.
Steve Roach wondered aloud why the players didn't yell for the ball.
"You've got to call mine, haven't you? Mine!" Roach said.
Russell continued: "Well let's look on the bright side for the Panthers in an ugly moment – neither player is injured.
"And for that, we need to say thank you."
At the very least, the moment provided some humour to those on Twitter.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak just put in the best hit any Panther has all night. #NRLPanthersWarriors
— TAB Sport (@TAB_Sport) May 17, 2019
New Zealand opened the scoring through recalled hooker Issac Luke in the 14th minute when he capitalised on some soft defence through the middle close to the line.
Centre Patrick Herbert jagged a converted try two minutes later, a penalty goal before half-time stretching the lead to 14-0.
A maiden four-pointer in Warriors colours to Kodi Nikorima and three more penalty goals pushed the Kiwi team up by 24.
Penrith scored consolation tries to Nathan Cleary and Viliame Kikau to save some face but the disappointment and frustration was palpable after the match, with Penrith fans booing their underperforming side.
