It took until round 25 for Dally M rookie of the year Sunia Turuva to drop an opponent's kick this year.
One of the most kicked-to wingers in the NRL, as rivals try to negate Brian To'o's returns, Turuva has also proven one of the safest at Penrith this year.
"He doesn't take a backwards step," Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo told AAP.
"Nothing seems to faze him. I can't remember him having too many errors ... He's been tremendous.
"You feel like teams are trying to kick to him because they're trying to keep away from Brian and Dylan (Edwards) to an extent.
"But he's got such electric feet and he will keep coming at you all day."
It shouldn't be understated the impact Turuva's safe hands have on the Panthers.
While rival teams initially targeted him to shut down To'o, the 21-year-old has become a weapon in his own right in starting Penrith's sets.
Put simply, if Turuva had even half-sloppy hands, the Panthers' back-five yardage and game built on the back of good territory wouldn't work.
Instead, given the amount he is kicked to, Turuva would be the man handing the opposition attacking ball.
"I've been expecting it since I first stepped in for Taylan (May)," Turuva said.
"I just knew that I was still young, my first season. I knew it was going to come from round one. I've been expecting it this whole year.
"You can't let anyone put it over you, no matter how big or tall the opposition is."
According to Fox Sports Stats, Turuva has returned the ball 72 times this year, to To'o's 44.
He's also become almost as powerful in his returns, averaging 11.3 metres every time he charges back at the opposition line compared to To'o's league-best 13.4
Turuva's runs regularly allow To'o to take the next hit up off a quick play-the-ball, helping Penrith surge towards halfway in a two-pronged slingshot Brisbane must find a way to slow down in Sunday's grand final.
"He loves the camaraderie and the atmosphere of the team and obviously plays a big part," To'o said.
"I think kava is the secret, he's been killing it and dominating his thing as a young Fijian boy.
"He welcomes that kind of pressure, he loves it a lot."
Making Turuva's year even more remarkable is that he was preparing to spend 2023 in reserve grade, until May ruptured his ACL in the World Club Challenge.
"But I honestly would have waited forever at Penrith for my chance," Turuva said.
"I love this club, what it's done for myself and my family. I just love these guys."
