Penrith has given its long suffering fans something to cheer about with a 16-12 NRL victory against Manly at Penrith Stadium.

With two minutes to go hooker Luke Priddis scored the match-winning try after it had looked for all money that the Panthers had again turned a halftime lead into a loss.

Centre Paul Franze launched a desperation bomb on what he thought was the last tackle, with Manly forward Nathan Tutt appearing to be taken out as the ball rolled along the ground.

Priddis, being careful not to knock-on, gathered the ball and dived over the line sending the 12,083-strong crowd into raptures.

It was Penrith's first win at home in six matches, dating back to the side's fifth round win over Melbourne. The loss consigned Manly to its third straight loss, sending the side out of the top four and endangering its spot in the top eight.

The win has breathed life into Penrith's ultra slim finals hopes.

But Penrith played anything but finals-quality rugby league, blowing countless opportunities to win the match.

A Scott Donald try midway through the second period looked like it would be enough to get the Sea Eagles home, but the visitors were unable to secure the knockout blow to put the Panthers away.

Preston Campbell was at his brilliant best in the first half, as he played a leading role in both of the Panthers' tries.

A 40 metre bust out of nothing by the diminutive No.6 led to the first try to backrower Shane Rodney (6th minute).

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