2:00 pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 4th, 2024 BLUEBET SATADIUM,PENRITH, SYDNEY
- Panthers Host Knights in Thrilling Sunday Showdown
Panthers Host Knights in Thrilling Sunday Showdown
A Sunday afternoon doesn’t get much better than the Penrith Panthers hosting the Newcastle Knights at home, showcasing star players from both teams.
Panthers’ Dominant Performance Against Dragons
The home side will be keen to back up the impressive demolition they dealt out to St. George Dragons last round of 46-10.
Nathan Cleary’s Triumphant Return
Nathan Clearly came out firing in vintage form last round, getting a hat trick in his comeback game and showing why he is considered one of the best players in the game.
Coach Ivan Cleary Praises Team’s Strong Start
Coach Ivan Cleary was impressed by the team’s quick start, which laid the foundation for them to be in control of the game. The game saw sound performance across the pitch from Sunia Turuva, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Mitch Kenny, Scott Sorenson, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Lindsay Smith, big post contact meters from Yeo, Sorenson and Martin. The game wasn’t without incident for the Mountain men, with James Fisher-Harris leaving the game with a groin injury and Daine Laurie failing an HIA.
Yeo Highlights Team Unity
Yeo, in his post-match press conference, said it was good to have the Penrith team come back as a unit since Origin and Cleary’s injury. Yeo also mentioned that it was a pleasure to train with Cleary and that the entire team was feeling the excitement.
Panthers Poised for Finals Push
It’s a telling sign of a team ready to bulldoze its way into the 2024 finals.
Lineup Changes for Panthers
Lindsay Smith has been the iron man of the Panthers side this year, running out for all of their games, and he will be taking the place of the injured James Fisher-Harris. Origin star Dylan Edwards is still out with a knee injury, and Daine Laurie’s head knock last round has him sidelined for one game, but it gives Isaiah Iongi a chance in the number 1 jersey.
Panthers.
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Luron Patea 19. Jack Cole 20. Brad Schneider 21. Asu Kepaoa 22. Luke Sommerton
Knights Looking to Rebound After Defeat
The Knights will be coming off a bye following a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in Round 20. In a game that coach Adam O’Brien felt they lacked patience and execution, he believes the Knight’s grip on being in the finals has loosened. Too many errors and chasing points too early show that the Knights lack the cool heads to stir around a roster of talent.
Key Line up Changes for Knights
Jackson Hastings has copped the axe this round; Phoenix Crossland will wear the No. 7. Dylan Lucas will step in for the injured Bradman Best, while Adam Elliot returns from a calf injury to join the back row.
Knights.
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Thomas Cant 19. Brodie Jones 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Will Pryce 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Referee. Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Key Stats
The Panthers have won 13 of their last 15 games against the Knights.
The Knights haven’t won at BlueBet Stadium since 2018.
Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored six tries in six games against the Knights.
The Knights have won four of their last five away games.
Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Prediction.
The Panthers will be too strong at home and will want to stay in the top four come semi final time.
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