Maloney key as Penrith beat Knights in NRL

Maloney has been chastised for most of his career over his defensive blues.

But the 32-year-old came up with the goods when his team needed it most, beginning with a second-half bellringer on Connor Watson to force a turnover.

And while it may not have resulted in points, moments later the veteran prevented Edrick Lee from a near-certain try when he stripped the winger over the line.

A Mitch Barnett rampage with seven minutes to play set up a grandstand finish, but the Panthers held on to secure their first win of the season.

Maloney was also involved in two of Penrith's three tries in an all-round display.

One week after getting caned in the penalty count in their season-opening loss to Parramatta, it appeared Penrith's ill-discipline would cost them again.

They were pinged 5-1 in the opening 13 minutes and were down 2-0.

But Ivan Cleary's side slowly regained their footing to claim the lead on a well-executed set play for James Fisher-Harris.

And while Kalyn Ponga got one back on his cutout pass for Lee, the Panthers entered the break in front on Malakai Watene-Zelezniak's miracle effort.

The Panthers winger tapped back a Nathan Cleary grubber well over the deadball line for club debutant Frank Winterstein to ground.

The visitors extended the lead courtesy of Isaah Yeo, who suffered his second concussion in as many weeks after copping a stray elbow from a teammate.

It was reported Yeo had failed his head injury assessment after failing to get back after 15 minutes, however club doctors cleared him to return.

And the Panthers co-captain scored a crucial second-half try when he dragged five defenders over the line to give his team an eight-point lead.

Both sides had opportunities to seize the initiative, including chances for Ponga and Waqa Blake, in an enthralling second half contest.

Australian Associated Press