It caused some weary minds and bodies but Penrith believe a tough week on the training paddock could be the key to kick-starting their flagging NRL campaign.

Coach Matt Elliott said his team's lacklustre performance during their gritty 24-16 win over North Queensland on Friday night probably had something to do with being worked extra-hard during the week.

But having lost three matches in a row before the clash with the Cowboys, Elliott wasn't going to make any apologies.

"We came off a short week, like they did, and I probably put too much work in them this week, just on the tactical side of things," Elliott said.

"Hopefully we get the benefit of that going forward but I don't think we saw too much of it tonight."

Flying winger Michael Gordon was the hero for the Panthers, scoring a magnificent individual effort in the game's dying minutes to seal the win.

And while the NSW Origin representative admitted the week had been tough, he was confident it could be the spark to ensure Penrith's strong first half of the season wasn't in vain.

"I think we needed to do something, we were pretty flat with the ball," Gordon told AAP.

"It wasn't real physically tough, it was basically all tactical and it was good to see us put it on tonight even though the conditions weren't the best, good to see some tries come from what we've practiced.

"We've done all the hard work to get to this point and to fall of the train now would be very disappointing.

"We've just got to keep pushing forward and try to go all the way."

Friday's win means the Panthers will hold onto second spot on the NRL ladder and still in a prime position for their first finals appearance since 2004.

With their next match not until next Monday against Canberra, captain Petero Civoniceva said the long turnaround will help the team recover from their taxing week.

"To get back on track with tonight's win, that's huge for us," Civoniceva told AAP.

"We're fortunate now that we've got a long turnaround for us to get refreshed for what will be a tough game down in Canberra.

"I think for guys like Luke Lewis, Luke Walsh and Trent Waterhouse, those guys that play big minutes, week-in, week-out, it's going to be an important period for us to get refreshed and refocused.

"I'm a bit the same boat too. I'm really looking forward to taking the next few days, just looking after my body, and getting ready for what's going to be a tough run at the back end of the season."

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