The Panthers were without three of their 2010 squad for the opening game of the season, with veteran Melissa Pajtler, Kelly Bond and Chantyl Szostak all missing due to personal commitments.

Local fans needed to patient during the opening quarter of the game - not only with their team but also the visitors, as both sides were showing plenty of cobwebs following a six-month off-season break.

The scorers were barely troubled to move through the opening six minutes of the game but talented youngster Taylah Clark finally got the Panthers rolling during the second term, scoring ten points to lead her team to a 29-25 lead at the half time break.

Veteran Louise Richardson kept the scoreboard ticking for the Panthers during the third term, as the visitors closed the margin to just four points at the final break in play.

There would be little cause for concern among the local fans, as the panthers had saved their best for last and surged away from the Hunters to record a 17-point win.

The Panthers are at home again this Saturday, taking on the Dubbo Rams at 1pm at the PVRSC.

Penrith Panthers 63 (Taylah Clark 17 points, Louise Richardson 17, Rebekah Tong 9) def Newcastle Hunters 46 (Edie Stevens 9 points, Chloe Evans 9)