Titans pipped in gutsy Panthers performance

In only the second minute, the Titans set the tone early with plenty of intent in their effort areas; winning the scrum against the feed to defend an error.

After a number of end-to-end sets, Penrith thought they had scored through Dylan Edwards 22 minutes into the contest, but upon a further inspection by the Bunker, Moeaki Fotuaika was ruled to have been obstructed by Nathan Cleary, with the four-pointer disallowed.

It took 38 minutes for the first points to come in the match, but it was certainly worth the wait.

An early contender for the try of the year, the point-scoring passage of play began with a Toby Sexton kick towards the corner, which was batted back by Patrick Herbert, finding the hands of David Fifita.

The barnstorming back-rower beat three defenders before being dragged to ground... but before doing so, was able to get the offload away, which found Will Smith's hands, who placed a deft kick for Greg Marzhew to catch, step Charlie Staines and score the only points of the half.

The Panthers came out of the sheds in the second half and scored two quick tries to take the lead - Izack Tago in the 43rd minute and Nathan Cleary in the 47th minute; but the Titans' showed plenty of defensive resolve in a number of occasions throughout the second half to contain the defending premiers.

Penrith finished the match with a try to Jarome Luai in the 76th minute to ice the game, taking the two competition points back to Sydney.

The Titans will rest up before preparing to face the Roosters in Mackay next Saturday afternoon.