Debutant Matt Burton stars as Panthers edge Sharks 26-20

Penrith rookie Matt Burton starred on debut in honour of a fallen mate while Nathan Cleary turned in one of his best performances of the season as Penrith kept their finals hopes alive.

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Well, Frase, this one is for you, brother.

Your name is written large there in thick, black texta on that wrist strapping of your best mate, and shock Penrith rookie Matty Burton.

A tribute he’s carried every week.

And for three years.

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Nathan Cleary was outstanding for the Panthers. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

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A touching memorial which, only days ago, none of us knew anything about.

But how could we?

Given earlier this year, that 19-year-old buddy of yours — and old halves partner, no less — was playing anonymously in Jersey Flegg with Penrith.

And 12 months ago, bush footy in Dubbo.

But not anymore.

Matt Burton impressed on his NRL debut. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

No, three years after a group of you fellas went swimming at Dubbo’s Macquarie River — and all but you came home — your best mate used his shock NRL debut, once again, to pay tribute to you and a life cut tragically short.

Which on a night of stories, was the best of them all, Frase.

Easily.

Which makes this your game.

All of it.

Nathan Cleary is the centre of attention after scoring a try.

Your life remembered when Burton, aged 19, playing six, and wearing jersey No.21, orchestrated the first try against Cronulla on a night where those six points would also prove the difference.

Grubbering perfectly behind the line for centre Brent Naden.

A kick which shocked some fans with its precision, undoubtedly.

But not you, Frase.

No, you’ve seen plenty of moments like that.

Same deal those tough defensive efforts, and overall composure, he produced with dozens of family and friends watching on in the grandstand.

Which is why afterwards, he said how words couldn’t describe how much this win meant.

It was a horrible night in Penrith for the Sharks. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

“When I was 16,” the Panthers rookie started, “my best mate passed away ... and this is everything to me. I know he’d be watching me. And he’s made me so proud.

“Words can’t describe it.

“I’m speechless. It’s crazy.”

All of which means, your name, Sam Fraser, it’s now forever etched onto an NRL cracker.

CLEARY STARS

A game that saw Nathan Cleary, not so long ago a Panthers rookie himself, score tries, set them up, kick goals, everything.

In a year where the NSW Origin halfback has copped his share of abuse, Cleary dominated in a side that wasn’t only missing key playmaker James Maloney, but boasted three debutants in Burton, centre Stephen Crichton and interchange forward Spencer Leniu.

Liam Martin charges through the Sharks defence.

All up, taking the number of Panthers rookies this year to eight.

Or more than any other NRL club.

Truly, not since the axing of Beverly Hills 90210 have teenagers looked so beyond their years.

And all of it Frase, led by your mate.

“Although I had no idea about his story,” coach Ivan Cleary conceded afterwards.

“But Matt’s a cool, calm kid ... and I don’t think tonight was his last NRL game.”

SHARKS DROP OUT

But Cronulla?

Well, with a month of footy remaining, the Shire boys now face a real fight for the playoffs.

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Trailing by 22 points into the second half, the Sharks then scored three unanswered tries to get within six with five minutes to play.

Then 60 seconds, as a spiralling bomb coming down near the Panthers tryline.

Which is when Crichton, one of seven Penrith rookies onfield, leapt above the pack to make the most spectacular of takes.

All of which is some story.

But none better than yours, Frase.

PENRITH 26 (D Edwards 2 N Cleary B Naden tries N Cleary 5 goals) bt CRONULLA 20 (S Feki W Graham J Morris J Williams tries S Johnson 2 goals) at Panthers Stadium. Referee: Phil Henderson, Grant Atkins