The Sydney Roosters have shocked the four-time reigning premier Penrith Panthers in a thrilling 38-32 upset at Commbank Stadium on Friday night.
The Panthers' post-premiership glow was faded out by injuries and an electric Roosters outfit that bounced back from a horror round one showing.
The health of gun fullback Dylan Edwards will be the major concern for Panthers coach Ivan Cleary in the coming days after he was forced to leave the action midway through the second half.
Edwards appeared to be in minor discomfort after attempting to chase down Connor Watson, but elected to push through the pain.
A video replay of Watson's try showed Edwards appearing to slow his pace as he approached the 10m line clutching at his leg.
Dylan Edwards slows as Roosters hooker Connor Watson scores a try Nine
The fullback's injury concern was exposed moments later when he appeared to limp back to the middle after scoring a stellar try in the 49th minute.
Brad Fittler, a premiership winner with the Panthers in 1991, said on Nine that Edwards appeared to be suffering with a groin injury.
"He's got a groin strap on," Fittler said.
"I know the Penrith staff have been out to see him and they say he is OK, but he is definitely hampered."
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Dylan Edwards exits the field with a suspected groin injury. Nine
Edwards' time on the field was short-lived after his try-scoring efforts as Daine Laurie was injected into the match in his place.
"You can see in the way he walks, he is really heavy in the legs," Fittler continued as Edwards walked to the bench.
"At the moment the adrenaline is still going through him but it will be when (he) wakes up in the morning that it will become real hard.
"Hopefully there is no tear," Fittler continued post-match.
"Hopefully it is just some bruising … but they are lucky they have Daine Laurie."
Dylan Edwards of the Panthers runs the ball. Getty
It was Edwards' inability to chase down Roosters attackers that would be of the greatest concern for Cleary, according to Phil Gould.
"I've never ever, ever, ever seen him give up on a chase or stop a run," Gould said.
"He went for two strides and had to pull out of it.
"The (Roosters) are beating the Panthers to the punch everywhere now."
Cleary confirmed post-match that the injury was believed to be a quadriceps strain.
Edwards has struggled with a quadriceps complaint in the past, with the concern having forced him to miss the opening two games in his debut Origin series last season.
"He says (it is) a quad strain … I don't know how bad it is," Cleary said post-match.
"We had a fresh fullback on the bench which is why we made the call (to remove him)."
Sandon Smith of the Roosters celebrates scoring a try. Getty
Edwards' early exit was just another factor troubling the Panthers in the second half as the Roosters carved them up.
Daniel Tupou and Sandon Smith darted over the line to secure the visitors' largest lead in the game with under 15 minutes remaining.
James Tedesco teamed up with Chad Townsend to set up Dom Young in what was the Roosters skipper's third try assist of the night.
A high shot by Salesi Foketi on Scott Sorensen opened the road for Casey McLean to pounce in a desperate attempt to save his team's hopes at victory.
But Penrith's fate was sealed as Brian To'o was denied a buzzer-beater in a thrilling end.
"This is a great lesson for rugby league fans to never give up on your team," Gould said.
"Support your team and never, ever give up (on them)."
"Tonight goes to show that the game isn't played on paper," Andrew Johns added.
Earlier, a poor defensive effort from Siua Wong and Foketi opened the path for Penrith centre Paul Alamoti to open with a bang.
Mark Nawaqanitawase and Watson ignited the Roosters attack as the pair powered over the line three minutes apart to steal the lead from their rivals.
A lengthy stint defending their own line saw their defence begin to crack as some beautiful ball work by To'o levelled the scores.
The Roosters had just enough in the end.