Canberra coach Ricky Stuart says his young halves were given a precious lesson by Nathan Cleary as the star playmaker steered Penrith to a 30-18 victory over the Raiders.
On a Sunday when Canberra were looking to become the first team to defeat the Panthers three consecutive times during their NRL dynasty era, the visitors spoiled those hopes at GIO Stadium.
Cleary was at the centre of it, providing three try assists, executing a dazzling line drop out, and scoring a crucial second-half individual try in what Stuart said was the difference-maker in the contest.
"Those two young halves (Ethan Sanders and Ethan Strange), seeing what Nathan Cleary does tonight against them, feeling it, seeing it is such a benefit for those two boys," said Stuart, a former halfback great himself.
"That's just an education. You can't get that on a video. You can't get that by sitting down and coaching them."
The exciting Raiders halves duo have been two of the most scrutinised Canberra players this season, with 22-year-old Sanders enjoying limited NRL gametime before it and Strange just 21.
Regardless, Strange was inspirational in his return from an ankle injury, posting 10 tackle busts and two try assists, while Sanders scored a try as he continued to build momentum after a breakout performance against Gold Coast last round.
Cleary was impressed with the way fellow halfback Sanders controlled the Raiders on Sunday.
"I reckon he's got a massive future in front of him," Cleary said.
"It's not easy coming in as a young kid and knowing that you're going to be the seven and steering the team around."
Penrith were made to work hard for the victory as the teams went tit for tat in scoring before Cleary grabbed his try in the 51st minute, then interchange Billy Phillips crossed for his first career try six minutes later to ensure the Panthers' ninth win from 10 games this season.
The Raiders (4-6) will not only count the cost of the loss, as in-form Simi Sasagi left the field early after his persistent shoulder injury flared up in the first half.
Penrith scored their first try through a barnstorming Blaize Talagi, before Canberra's Tom Starling made a blistering run up the middle and Sanders planted the ball over the line on the next play.
Isaiah Papali'i tore through the Raiders' defence before laying the ball off to Talagi for his second, but the Raiders hit back again when Strange popped a ball to centre Sebastian Kris.
Casey McLean crossed in the 33rd minute to help the visitors take an 18-12 lead at halftime.
Fullback Kaeo Weekes dived over the line as the Raiders drew level in the 48th minute, before Cleary wrestled over moments three minutes later to re-establish the visitors' lead.
Phillips crossed to beef up their advantage when he profited from a booming kick by Cleary, which was secured by Tom Jenkins, and then shifted to the substitute.
