All he could remember was that it seemed like the Panthers were tackling, tackling, tackling for the whole game.

Coach Matthew Elliott said he didn't know either but then said he did they won through character, even when mistakes were made and things were going wrong.

Waterhouse was a power house and he was right. Penrith's defence repelled the endless chances the Cowboys had to win through a glut of possession in the Panthers quarter.

The Cowboys always seemed on the verge of running away with the game but didn't.

Wins are built on defence.

They're also built on the character in adversity Elliott mentioned.

Penrith should temper their elation after getting that bonus win, however.

Elation from a win that has taken them into sixth on percentages.

They're on 24 points with Manly and Newcastle and two clear of the Cowboys and Broncos.

Yes, defence was the primary reason for the win but there was a complementary reason, and that reason poses concern.

Penrith got themselves into position to score most of their tries through attack from broken play.

Centre Michael Jennings scored another three tries, fullback Jarrod Sammut bounced off tacklers like a pinball and winger Michael Gordon, just back from injury, showed what an asset he is, and not just for his goal kicking.

But the young forwards struggled all night to ruck the ball out from their own territory.

Penrith won't be able to rely on broken-field running and adventurous play to get them out of trouble when they meet the heavyweights.

The Panthers won, but the nature of the win underscored how big is the loss of their own heavyweight, captain Petero Civoniceva, for the rest of the season.

He's gone and they have to muscle up without him, however.

Penrith will hope to have a metaphorical back line heavyweight of a different character, Luke Lewis, back this weekend and perhaps back rower Frank Pritchard, heavyweight in size and ability.

They're both indispensable.

The Panthers will host the Warriors at CUA Stadium on Saturday night.