McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights team:
1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mathew Croker 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Jack Johns 17. Brodie Jones 18. Enari Tuala 19. Dylan Lucas 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Hymel Hunt 22. Ryan Rivett
Phoenix Crossland has been named at hooker, but could switch back to the bench with Kurt Mann to share the dummy half duties. Tyson Gamble is back to partner Jackson Hastings in the halves, while Mat Croker is set to overcome a leg injury to start at lock.
The Knights have only defeated Penrith once since 2015 and lost their last three meetings by more than 18 points.
Jayden Brailey is gone for the season after suffering an ACL injury in the win over the Warriors last weekend.
Look for Marzhew and Young, the two wingers who are great try scoring weapons.
Panthers team:
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Jack Cogger 20. Liam Martin 21. Luke Garner 22. Thomas Jenkins
Referee. Peter Gough
Liam Martin and Luke Garner both racing the clock to play after being named in the reserves, with Zac Hosking and Lindsay Smith to make way if they are deemed fit.
Penrith started the season slowly but have hit top gear in the last two weeks and should continue here.
Defence remains the key strong point for Penrith, with the club leaking an average of under 13 points per game. Needless to say, their attack is firing with 44+ points in their last two matches. Coaches always say, Defence wins matches, and I agree.
PREDICTION.
While the Knights have the home advantage the Panthers will be too tough here.
Penrith minus 14.5 points @ $1.81 looks pretty good. If you are backing Newcastle look for a 19.5 points start @ $1.64
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