After playing out a golden point thriller two months ago, the Panthers and Knights meet again after both suffering narrow losses in Round 16.
Newcastle had their hearts broken when Nathan Cleary kicked Penrith to a 16-15 win back in Round 7, and since then things have been a struggle for Adam O'Brien's men, with just two wins from their last seven games.
The Panthers on the other hand were the competition's hottest team prior to suffering defeat at the hands of the Cowboys in golden point last Friday, in what was their first loss since the end of April.
Penrith have had it all over the Knights in recent times and haven't lost to them in their past seven meetings, while stretching back to 2014 Newcastle have tasted victory over this week's opponent just twice in 16 meetings.
At BlueBet Stadium this year the Panthers have won four of five games, with their sole loss coming in their season opener against the Broncos.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Panthers v Knights
Team News
Panthers: No further changes on game day after the club's Origin reps dropped out on Friday. Tyrone Peachey starts at centre, Thomas Jenkins on the wing while Jaeman Salmon returns to the halves to partner Jack Cogger. Scott Sorensen and Zac Hosking are the back row duo while Matt Eisenhuth shifts back to lock for Isaah Yeo. Luke Garner joins the bench in jersey 20 with Liam Henry named as 18th Man.
Knights: The Knights are 1-17 with no late changes. Daniel Saifiti takes his place in the starting front row after missing last week with a sternum issue, while Greg Marzhew returns on the wing after being dropped last week for failing to meet team standards. Tyson Frizell is set to back up from Origin II, but rookie Dylan Lucas keeps his spot due to Lachlan Fitzgibbon being stood down after failing a HIA in Round 16. Brodie Jones remains in the squad as 18th Man.
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Stat Attack
- Both sides sit in the NRL's top three for tackle breaks this year, with the Panthers leading the way with an average of 39.9 per game and the Knights third, averaging 38.4.
- Knights wing Dom Young sits equal top of the NRL try-scoring charts with 16, despite having played two less games than the other player on that number, Maika Sivo.
- The Panthers have won 11 and drawn one of their past 13 games against the Knights.
- The Knights have won only one from six away from home in 2023.
- The Knights are aiming for their 400th win since joining the premiership in 1988.
- The Panthers have won six of their past seven games at BlueBet Stadium.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.