SUNDAY, JUNE 16th, 2024 MCDONALD JONES STADIUM, NEWCASTLE
McDonald Jones Stadium will host the final game of Round 15, where the Newcastle Knights aim to prevent a third consecutive loss, while the Panthers seek to strengthen their position near the top of the ladder.
Knights Aim to Rebound After Loss to Storm
After a 36-28 loss to the Melbourne Storm, the Knights are determined to turn their gritty style of play into a victory and avoid a mid-season slump. Despite the defeat, Knights coach Adam O’Brien was pleased that his team managed to score 28 points against a top-four team. O’Brien believes the scoreline reflects the improving chemistry between halves Jackson Hastings and Jack Cogger, who effectively challenged the opposition.
Rising Star Fletcher Sharpe Impresses
The game also provided an opportunity for the Knights’ pathway program to showcase Fletcher Sharpe at fullback. The 20-year-old adapted seamlessly to the NRL and will be rewarded with the number 1 jersey. Despite a challenging debut against a team like the Storm, Sharpe is expected to shake off any initial setbacks and prepare for his next challenge, which the coach believes he is ready for.
Injury Updates and Returns for the Knights
The Knights will welcome back Bradman Best from a hamstring injury, while Daniel Saifiti will return to the bench after recovering from knee issues. Another promising talent from the Knights program, David Armstrong, has been named in the reserves as he returns from a quad injury.
LATE MAIL: Injury Doubts for Key Players
Kai Pearce-Paul is in extreme doubt due to a foot injury. If he misses, as expected, Dylan Lucas would start in the back row.
Panthers Regain Confidence with Victory Over Sea Eagles
In the try fest against the Manly Sea Eagles last round, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary noted that the team did many things right, especially in regaining their confidence during the 32-22 victory.
Daine Laurie Steps Up in Dylan Edwards’ Absence
A testament to the Panthers’ depth was Daine Laurie stepping up to replace injured Origin star Dylan Edwards, racking up 344 meters and helping the Panthers seize the advantage after relentless Manly attacks.
Standout Performances from Panthers’ Origin Stars
The combination of Jack Cole and Jarome Luai proved effective, and Cleary was pleased with how the Origin stars performed, particularly Brian To’o, who solidified his status as one of the league’s best wingers with a hat trick, over 200 meters gained, and 14 tackle busts.
Panthers Squad Updates and Returns
The Panthers will welcome back Origin hitman Liam Martin to the reserves, as well as Dylan Edwards being named as number 1, pushing Diane Laurie to the bench.
LATE MAIL: Changes Due to Training Injuries
The Panthers have lost both Mitch Kenny and Jack Cole after the pair picked up quad injuries at training, with Luke Sommerton and Brad Schneider replacing them in the starting side.
Team Line-ups
KNIGHTS
1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson, 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland , 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Dylan Lucas 17. Brodie Jones 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Mathew Croker , 20. Will Pryce 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. David Armstrong
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o , 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris , 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith , 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Liam Martin, 21. Brad Schneider 22. Jesse McLean
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges. Matt Noyen, Michael Wise. Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Prediction.
Dylan Edwards will be hungry to show that he is over his injury and prove his worth for the NSW jersey. One of the hardest-working fullbacks in the game, the Panthers will be pleased to have the sound head of Edwards directing at the back, closing up some of the gaps in their right edge that the Sea Eagles exposed last round.
Brian To’o will bring fire to his side of the field, and the odds are in favour of the Origin winger putting at least one try on the Knights. He will also cause trouble with some nuggety, hard runs.
Even with the home-ground advantage, the Knights haven’t beaten the Panthers at home since 2015. Over the last three games, this and the Knights’ leaky defence puts them underdogs in the Sunday clash.
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