Penrith showed why they lead the Toyota Cup competition with a decisive 42-26 win over Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.
The Panthers showed why they not only lead the competition, but are the team to beat.
Parramatta would have been confident of their chances, with boom youngsters Wade Graham and Lachlan Coote both on NRL duty with Penrith.
The Eels also had their own boom youngster, the mountainous Tony Williams, returning from NRL duty.
It wasn't enough, as the depleted Panthers made it two from two against the Eels this season.
Such a result seemed far away when Eels prop John Mannah barged over in the sixth minute, but Penrith responded with two quick tries.
Nathan Gardner got the Eels back on terms with a thrilling 95 burst but Penrith kicked away to lead 20-10 at the break.
The game was as good as over when further converted tries skipped the visitors away to 32-10 before Gardner scored again after a sweeping backline movement.
Another Panthers try, to fullback Zoram Watene, skipped them away yet again, before Mannah bagged two
more.
With 10 minutes left, a miracle was possible and the Eels had the possession to make one happen.
But the Panther defence held firm before a final-minute converted try sealed it.
Penrith 42 (Joel Romelo 2, Matthew Wright 2, Daniel Penese, Zoram Watene, Sonny Tuigamala, Luke Clydesdale tries; Matthew Wright five goals) bt Parramatta 26 (Jonathon Mannah 3, Nathan Gardner 2 tries; Tony Williams three goals).