Penrith five-eighth Peter Wallace, more relaxed after agreeing to join Brisbane next season, broke the shackles to lead the Panthers to a stunning 22-16 upset of NRL ladder leaders Manly at CUA Stadium.

The 21-year-old local junior had a hand in three of the Panthers' four tries as Penrith came from 10-6 down after 16 minutes to claim their fourth win of the season in front of 11,325 fans.

Having agreed to a two-year deal with the Broncos this week, Wallace starred as Penrith handed Manly just their second loss of 2007.

"It's the hardest decision I have had to make," said Wallace, who heads north with former Test prop Joel Clinton next season.

"The opportunity up there was just too good to knock back.

"I felt a big relief now I have made the decision and can concentrate on footy."

Wallace and halfback Craig Gower's performance helped the Panthers overcome a 13-5 penalty count and hold out the Sea Eagles at the death.

Manly halfback Matt Orford put fellow NSW aspirant Anthony Watmough over in the 67th minute to bring the Eagles within striking range, but their poor ball control prevented them from going close to scoring again.

Needing starring performances to force NSW selectors to choose them on Tuesday, Orford and Watmough probably didn't do enough to secure Origin call-ups.

Orford scored a solo try, kicked a 40-20 and put Watmough over but also dropped a couple of balls at critical times and was caught out in defence.

Watmough, too, was sensational in attack but got steamrolled by Tony Puletua in the eighth minute as the big Kiwi brushed off three other defenders to run 40m and score.

Manly coach Des Hasler said his side simply failed to match intensity with the Panthers and were guilty of not turning up.

"It was a bit more than ball control ... to put it simply we were disappointing," said Hasler.

"If you don't turn up with your heads on you're going to get beaten.

"If we want the mantle of competition leaders we have to realise sides are going to turn up and find something extra up against us."

Nick Youngquest, called in late to replace Michael Gordon (injured hamstring) on the wing, scored two tries in the 22nd and 32nd minutes off sweeping backline moves orchestrated by fullback Rhys Wesser and Wallace to give Penrith a 16-10 lead at half-time.

Within a minute after the break Wallace was at it again, throwing a sublime one-handed offload to Michael Jennings who picked the ball up from his shoe laces and gave it to Wesser who ran 25m to score and give Penrith a 22-10 lead.

Young red-head Wallace kept stalking Manly with deft grubbers getting repeat sets and pulled off a trysaver on Steve Bell in the 62nd minute proving just what a valuable asset the Panthers will lose next season.

Penrith had a 8-1 penalty count against them in the second half but were able to hold strong, coach Matthew Elliott applauding their courage and bemused at referee Steve Clark's rule interpretations.

"Against the best team in the competition we showed some fantastic commitment, courage and fortitude to really work hard for each other," said Elliott.

"It's not the right time or forum to comment on the referee's performance."

Manly hooker Matt Ballin suffered a groin injury while Wesser was put on report for a high tackle on Michael Robertson in the 67th minute.

Manly utility Travis Burns was a late withdrawal and has been hospitalised with a bout of pneumonia.

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