Penrith's 28-26 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night was sweetened by the news that representative winger Josh Mansour had re-signed with the club for a further two seasons.
Having started his NRL career at the club back in 2012, Mansour said he was excited to extend his contract so he could play alongside his "brothers" for another two years.
There had been rumours linking the NSW Blues rookie to at least one other Sydney club, but the 13,080 fans at Pepper Stadium were given the good news moments before kick-off via video announcement on the big screen.
"I'm absolutely stoked. I've got a lot to owe to this club," Mansour sad after the game.
"They gave me the opportunity to debut here. I love the boys here; they're pretty much like my second family."
Mansour said the deal was finalised after Holden State of Origin Game Two on Wednesday.
"I thought it was the right time to get it out there [after Game Two]," he said.
"Penrith were good enough to be patient and wanted me to focus on the Blues as my main priority. I was really grateful for that.
"I've put my blood, sweat and tears into this club and I couldn't picture myself anywhere else. I really believe in what we've got going at this club."
When asked about the possibility of playing elsewhere, Mansour said there was only one place that he wanted to be in 2017.
"I didn't want to go anywhere else. I love this place," the winger said.
"Maybe there were [other clubs chasing me], but my manager really pushed me to stay here and I pushed him that I wanted to stay here as well."
Mansour couldn't have celebrated his contract extension any better, scoring a try in his side's narrow win.
His 184-metre game was even more impressive given he was backing up merely 48 hours after playing at Suncorp Stadium for the Blues.
"It was a different experience playing two days after a game," he said.
"I just want to keep doing what I do at Panthers for the Blues. Whatever I'm doing here has got me there in the first place so I just want to keep at it. Playing for the Blues was a privilege and I don't want to take that for granted."
Mansour's State of Origin teammate and Panthers skipper, Matt Moylan, said his re-signing was a huge boost for the club leading into the run to the finals.
"I think he's definitely an important player to our team; he's shown that over the last few years," Moylan said.
"He gets our sets off to a good start and finishes off some good tries for us as well.
"He's good for a lot of the younger boys coming through as well. He shares his experience and loves to help anyone that's willing to listen. He's a good bloke to have around the club and he's good for our culture.
"I can't remember him having a bad game in grade. He puts his heart on his sleeve and he just gets out there and digs in for the boys. Everyone in the squad appreciates what he does for the team."
