The re-match of the 2022 Grand Final lived up to expectations last night, with the Parramatta Eels claiming a see-sawing win over the Penrith Panthers.
For the reigning premier Panthers, the loss leaves them stuck on one win (excluding their bye round points) four rounds into the new season.
MORE: Moses magic gifts Parramatta golden point win in thriller over Penrith
Ivan Cleary finds positives despite 'disappointing' defeat
Penrith were required to come back from eight points down on two occasions and appeared to have all the momentum when Nathan Cleary slotted a long-range field goal to level the scores and send the match to golden point.
However, Parramatta took advantage of a crucial penalty, with Mitchell Moses slotting a field score to secure his side's first win of the campaign.
Although his side fell short, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged the absorbing nature of the contest.
"Pretty good game, wasn't it? Such hard work. I just was really impressed by both teams," Cleary said.
"I obviously liked the way we fought back from eight points down twice, and that was a long, hard slog both times.
"Disappointing to get the loss but I think we'll get a lot out of that game."
Match Highlights 🎥 - #NRLEelsPanthers
— NRL (@NRL) March 23, 2023
A Mitchell Moses field goal saw the Eels to a 17-16 golden point victory over the Panthers! pic.twitter.com/twDr9x9sWB
One win and two losses is certainly not what many footy fans would have predicted from the Panthers' opening 2023 games.
Despite the lackluster start to the season results-wise, Cleary is highly confident his side have the quality required to post a strong points tally.
"No, I don't [think our current record reflects our performances]," he said.
"Two one-point losses, three really good games. I feel like we get a lot out of that game in terms of improvement.
"But if we turn up like that and perform like that every week, I think we're gonna win plenty of games."
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Cleary was also asked about his halfback's clutch field goal contribution to send the match to sudden death.
With the clock allowing for one final play, the Panthers No. 7 calmly found touch on the 40-metre line following a penalty, before cooly slotting a two-point field goal to level the game at 16-16.
According to Cleary, it signalled the important ability to perform in close games - something he believes the Panthers need to build on as the season progresses.
"[Nathan Cleary's field goal] was pretty cool. It's a shame because he missed one against the Broncos," the Penrith coach said.
"He got it tonight but we still couldn't get the win. We're just not quite getting those close games, which all add up.
"And there are probably some things that we can look back on and be able to improve there. But it's early days."
When will Liam Martin return from injury?
Panthers second-rower Liam Martin was a late scratching from Thursday evening's game with a hamstring complaint.
Cleary confirmed post-match that it is not a serious concern, and that the Blues and Kangaroos representative is in line to feature about the Raiders next round.
"It's not a bad injury, but it was enough to miss tonight," he explained.
"So we're hoping he'll be right for next week."
Stepping up in Martin's absence, though, was Zac Hosking.
The 26-year-old was pulled from the NSW Cup team and delivered an impressive performance, making 55 tackles and missing none.
His 110 running metres - 31 of which were post-contact - will certainly put him in selection contention next week.
