PJ Marsh emerged as an unlikely hero for Parramatta, scoring his first NRL try in almost two years and adding a second for good measure as the Eels beat Penrith 26-16 at Parramatta Stadium.

Marsh opened his 2005 account in the 33rd minute when he finished off a movement started by five-eighth John Morris in his own half.

Five minutes into the second stanza Marsh was in again, this time spearing out of dummy half and stretching over in the tackle of Penrith hooker Shannon Donato.

His double put the exclamation point on one of rugby league's most inspiring comebacks and ensured the Panthers' woeful start to the season continued.

Penrith has won only one of its opening four games and languishes near the foot of the ladder.

A State of Origin player in his pomp, Marsh's career was put on hold when he suffered a neck injury while playing for the New Zealand Warriors at the scene of tonight's heroics - Parramatta Stadium.

He missed the entire 2004 season before being handed a lifeline by Parramatta coach Brian Smith, the man who gave Marsh his first taste of the big time in 2000.

He entered the fray midway through the opening half, taking over the dummy half role from Mark Riddell with the Eels leading 12-6.

Before halftime he had crossed for his first try since scoring for the Warriors, ironically against Parramatta at Ericsson Stadium on May 10, 2003.

His try in the second half handed the Eels a 24-6 lead.

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