Penrith Panthers launched the Jersey Flegg season with a 14-4 victory over the Sydney Roosters at St Marys Stadium.
Panthers coach Jono Rolfe would have been happy with his team’s performance on Saturday afternoon, as they conceded only one try.
A double from Casey McLean, who trained with the NRL squad throughout the summer, was the difference in the Panthers’ 10-point triumph in their first encounter of the season.
Panthers winger Angelis Hotere-Papali opened the scoring for the home side after eight minutes, but the conversion failed.
McLean scored twice before halftime, giving his team a comfortable 14-0 advantage.
However, in the final minutes of the game, Rooster Hayden Barton scored a try, giving his team the only points.
