Jamal Idris is back and rugby league is the better for it.

The Penrith centre returned to his barnstorming best in the Panthers’ win over Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday that sent them to the top of the NRL ladder.

It was the 24-year-old’s second game back since taking a month off due to personal issues, reported to include depression and a problem with alcohol.

Idris was a key figure in Penrith’s 26-10, round-17 win, almost unstoppable at times with the ball and scoring a second-half try, afterwards gesturing with the ‘crazy’ sign.

Idris declined interviews with reporters post-game but light-heartedly told Triple M on-field: “I’m just hanging in there.

“You do what you’ve got to do. I don’t go too bad for a schizophrenic.”

The comment is understood not to be the acknowledgement of a clinical diagnosis, but Idris dealing with his issues in his own distinct way.

Idris made his return to the top grade in the Panthers’ loss to the Warriors in Auckland last week, and said he is enjoying his football again and has stopped drinking alcohol.

“I’m the happiest when I’m on the field,” Idris said.

“I just try and live off that at the moment and that just keeps me up there. As long as I can stay out on the field I’ll stay happy.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said of Idris: “He’s made some changes to his life. It’s not easy.

“But he’s doing well. Football is good for him and when he plays well, obviously that’s good for him as well.

“But we’re not getting ahead of ourselves there either. We’re just chugging along and taking it as it comes.”