NRL, ROUND 17, JUNE 24th, 2023 PENRITH PANTHERS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
BLUEBET STADIUM, PENRITH,NSW.
In this exciting NRL Round 17 showdown, the Penrith Panthers are set to go head-to-head with the Newcastle Knights at the iconic BlueBet Stadium. The Panthers, who have been eyeing a return to the top spot on the ladder, are determined to bounce back from a heartbreaking defeat suffered at the hands of the Cowboys in a thrilling golden point encounter.
Interestingly, the last meeting between the Panthers and Knights was also decided in golden point, with the reigning premiers prevailing 16-15 back in April. This time, the Panthers are determined to secure a decisive victory and consolidate their position near the summit of the ladder.
Despite recent setbacks, including the injury to star player Nathan Cleary, the Panthers have shown remarkable resilience, winning four out of their last five home games. Their formidable record against the Knights, having triumphed in 14 of their last 16 encounters, only adds to their confidence.
On the other hand, the Knights find themselves languishing in 14th position on the ladder, having suffered defeats in six of their last eight games. Despite narrow losses against the Broncos and Roosters, the Knights have struggled to convert their potential into victories. Their lack of finishing finesse has been evident, preventing them from clinching crucial wins.
In their quest for success, the Knights will need to overcome the formidable challenge of facing the Panthers at BlueBet Stadium. The venue has witnessed some intense battles, and the Panthers’ dominance at home cannot be underestimated.
Historically, the Panthers and Knights have produced low-scoring encounters, with under 40.5 points being scored in six of the Panthers’ last nine games. Their previous clash in April resulted in a total of just 31 points. Both teams boast talented try scorers, such as the Panthers’ Brian To’o, who has found the try line in five of his last five games against the Knights, and Dominic Young, who leads the NRL with 16 tries this season.
As the Knights aim to turn their potential into a much-needed victory, the odds seem to favor the Panthers, given their recent form, home advantage, and historical dominance. Nonetheless, in the unpredictable world of NRL, anything can happen, and the Knights will be eager to prove their mettle.
Stay tuned for an action-packed clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Newcastle Knights at BlueBet Stadium, where rivalries will be reignited, and the battle for ladder supremacy will unfold. Don’t miss out on the excitement and stay updated with all the latest news and highlights from this NRL showdown.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Luke Garner 21. Tyrone Peachey 22. Thomas Jenkins 23. Liam Henry 24. Jack Cole
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 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. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Brodie Jones 19. Enari Tuala 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Jack Johns 22. Adam Clune
PREDICTION
At home in front of their fans and trying to gain top spot I think the Panthers will be too good. Panthers by 7.5 points and Brian To’o anytime try scorer.
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