When he dropped the ball across the line midway through the second half on Sunday night, it appeared Brent Naden's wait for a first NRL try might have to go on another week.
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But in fact, the Wellington Cowboys junior only had to wait another five minutes before celebrating the milestone moment.
Naden marked his second NRL appearance with not only another win with Penrith, but also his first try as the Panthers got past the Sydney Roosters 19-10.
Some slippery hands saw him spill the ball when trying to barge through the Roosters defence in the across the line in the 56th minute, but soon after a thrilled Naden was mobbed by teammates after winning the race to a perfect James Maloney grubber.
"I wiped my sweat and my hands were slippery," Naden laughed about the bombed try when speaking to the Panthers' website post-game.
"I had to go back to the trainer and get some of that sticky spray.
"I managed to hold on to that second one so it was all good."
Naden laughed again when saying his celebration was "a bit of a carry-on" but it was clear to see how much the moment meant for the 23-year-old.
His debut the week before was an emotional moment as he cracked the top grade more than four years after leading the Panthers under 20s side to a premiership win.
He retained his place for Sunday's clash with the high-flying Roosters and impressed again, being in the thick of the action throughout the 80 minutes.
His try was a massive moment in the game, as the Panthers were leading by just two after Victor Radley had just crossed for the Roosters.
But Maloney, who was outstanding and staked a claim for a return to the NSW Origin side in the win, grubbered on a dime for rookie Naden to claim the crucial try.
While the try was a moment that will stay with Naden for life, the young centre preferred to focus on what was another much-needed win for the Panthers.
After a slow start to the season the Ivan Cleary-coached Penrith has won three straight games and is just one win outside the top eight.
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"It's unreal, to be honest," Naden said o the result.
"Second game for me and I'm two-from-two so I'm over the moon.
"But it just goes back to those fans who've stuck with us through thick and thin. We've got to start rewarding them now with some good footy and hopefully some more wins."
Naden continued to praise the Penrith faithful, who stayed behind long after the final whistle to celebrate another much-needed win.
"I reckon Penrith has got the best fans out of everyone," he added.
"They're the most, they're the loudest. You can hear them."
Naden wasn't the only Wellington junior to cross in the NRL on the weekend, as Kotoni Staggs also got his name on the scoresheet for the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.
Unlike Naden, Staggs didn't get to celebrate a win as his Broncos were defeated 26-18 by the Gold Coast Titans.
The Titans had another Wellington product in Tyrone Peachey feature off the bench in the eight-point victory.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
