The Mole: Unlikely hero admits he was 'worried' after being thrown into surprise Panthers role

LAS VEGAS: The Panthers' accidental hero in Vegas admits he was terrified when he was called off the bench into battle after just three minutes.

Classy utility back Daine Laurie didn't even know if he would get a run in the game - and ended up scoring two blistering tries that proved the difference over a brave Cronulla.

But when Laurie had to replace concussed winger Casey McLean in the opening exchanges, he was a worried man.

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"I can play just about anywhere in the backline but when I had to come on to the wing, I was worried," Laurie told Wide World of Sports.

"I played wing a few times last year and it didn't go well.

"I made some mistakes that cost us and so my confidence wasn't high. I prefer fullback, centre or the halves - anywhere but wing - but hey, you do what you have to for your team."

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On top of his two tries, Laurie ended up making two line breaks - more than any player on the field in a tight contest - and earned special praise from coach Ivan Cleary.

"He did an unbelievable job when he came on," Cleary said.

"It is a hard job, being No.14 - but he can play anywhere in the backline and came up with some big plays for us."

McLean, by the way, was shaken but recovered well after taking a heavy hit to the head.

"He's not too bad," Cleary said.