'That's why he's the best': Nathan Cleary produces clutch 40/20 kick to guide Penrith to victory

An incredible effort from Josh Addo-Carr wasn't enough for Parramatta on Sunday afternoon, with a clutch late showing from Nathan Cleary sealing the win for Penrith.

In a gripping clash between the two western Sydney rivals, the reigning premiers came away with the two points after securing an 18-10 win.

Sean Russell opened the scoring for the Eels after less than three minutes, igniting the 'Battle of the West' almost immediately at CommBank Stadium.

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The hosts hit back before the 20-minute mark through young gun Casey McLean, who finished off a nice backline movement and beat a couple of defenders to score.

In a tight battle after half-time, Addo-Carr broke the game wide open with a freakish one-handed putdown in the corner, sending the crowd into raptures.

"The flying Foxx - as good as it gets," commentator Mat Thompson said on Nine. 

Replays showed the true marvel of the superstar winger's efforts, with Andrew Johns describing it as "incredible" and pointing out it was his non-dominant hand.

Former teammate Cameron Smith ranked it up there with the best tries of Addo-Carr's glittering career in both club and representative football.

"This is a special effort," the Storm legend said.

"We have seen some good ones throughout his career, but this is close to the top. How he's able to get the ball in-field … He launches in the air. Wow.

"Does he get it down? Unbelievable. That's incredible. How do they finish like that?

"They have persisted down this right-hand side, Parramatta, and they have got rewards."

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Tom Jenkins helped put the Panthers back into a narrow lead in the 57th minute, before Cleary put his stamp on the game.

With just two points separating the sides and the clock ticking, Cleary struck a perfect 40/20 kick and put his side in strong field position.

"The master steps up at the right time," Thompson said.

Johns was quick to praise the halfback, who was on the back-up from State of Origin.

"That's why he's the best in the game," he said.

"With nine minutes to go, he shapes a 40/20 with a banana kick, and he's made 18 tackles backing up from Wednesday night.

"He backs himself … That's why he's the best." 

Moments later, Cleary created the match-sealing try, linking up with Dylan Edwards who threw a cut-out pass to Brian To'o to score in the corner.

Penrith's win sees them move off the bottom of the NRL ladder after 13 rounds.