Two clutch kicks from Gareth Widdop have handed St George Illawarra a last-gasp 14-12 win over Penrith at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
The skipper's match-winning goal in the 76th minute proved the difference, but they also never would've got there without his tricky kickoff that the Panthers inexplicably failed to defuse.
Josh Mansour's try seven minutes from fulltime appeared to have sealed a comeback win for the Panthers, however Widdop piloted a quick kickoff over the head of former teammate Trent Merrin just into touch.
Dragons star Josh Dugan scored from the ensuing set, setting the stage for Widdop's heroics.
"That's why you practice during the week. I've been shanking some lately, but luckily it went over," he said post-game.
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Penrith could have a case to answer for after stand-in captain Peter Wallace appeared to play the final minutes of the match concussed.
The stop-gap No.9 was seen crawling back into the defensive line after reeling out of a tackle in the lead-up to Dugan's try, and also had to lean against the posts to keep his balance.
But Wallace denied suffering a head knock.
"No, I was alright," he said.
It was a dramatic finish to what was an ugly opening hour in front of 12,983 fans in Wollongong, with the teams combining for 15 penalties and 15 errors in the first half between them.
Widdop's 11th minute penalty resulted in the only two points scored in a forgettable opening 40 minutes.
It wasn't until Euan Aitken finally posted first points in the 53rd that the game opened up, however Dragons coach Paul McGregor hailed his side's cool heads to seal the win.
"Our composure in the last five minutes was the best it has been this year, to be honest," he said.
"When we were under the pump, Gareth came up with some really good plays and Josh obviously finished it off. As a coach you get excited by that.
"When you're out on your feet and you're behind, and just to be nice and composed off the back of that was really promising."
Panthers second-rower Bryce Cartwright failed to finish the match after dislocating his finger in the first half, while Dragons second-rower Joel Thompson was put on report for a high shot on Will Smith.
Dragons forward Mike Cooper could also have something to answer after being cited for a crusher tackle on Mansour late in the second half.
