It is impossible to think just two years ago Penrith were headed for the wooden spoon after an embarrassing night during Magic Round. They’ve come a long way since then.

Suffice to say this was no affair to remember. But for coach Brett Ratten, all that will count is the result: a nine-point win to the Saints, who had trailed for the vast majority of the match.

Greater Western Sydney survived a brave fightback from Essendon, with a left-foot snap from Jacob Hopper at the death sealing a heart-stopping two-point win.

The Raiders can expect another week of scrutiny after a 24-16 loss to Newcastle continued a disturbing inability to close out games.

A Doncaster placegetter last year, Brandenburg had attracted the attention of several Hong Kong agents, but the seven-figure offers were refused.