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The Newcastle Knights have been whacked with yet another heavy defeat, losing to Penrith 42-6.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Knights 6
Panthers 42
The Newcastle Knights will be out to snap an incredible 14-game losing streak this afternoon as they play host the Penrith Panthers. Join The Roar from 2pm (AEST) for all the live highlights and rugby league action.
The Knights haven’t picked up a win since a two-point escape over the Tigers all the way back in Round 6, putting them on the edge of a very unwanted record.
Having already broken their club record for most consecutive losses last week, another one today will give them the overall record for the NRL era, a record that’s stood for nearly 20 years.
Mind you, they’re still nowhere near the all-time record. A mammoth 42-game losing streak by the now defunct University that stretched across three seasons in the ’30s.
While Newcastle sit at the bottom of the barrel with just one win from 20 games and an average of 34 points a game scored against them, the Panthers are faring a little bit better.
Penrith are finding themselves in a very tight battle for the final top eight spots, currently sitting in eighth on equal points with the Warriors and Tigers, with the Dragons only one game further back.
Points difference is all that’s keeping them afloat at the moment, but it’s not a strong one at all, meaning that a big win over the Knights today could boost them out of reach and secure a finals berth.
Team News
The young Panthers outfit showed off the future of the Penrith club last week against the Roosters, with future stars Nathan Cleary, Matt Moylan and Tyrone Peachey all making big impacts.
With no injuries or suspensions to deal with, it’s no surprise that coach Anthony Griffin has remained unchanged for this week, letting his side build and move forward as a unit.
Newcastle have made a few changes though, including the return of Tyler Randell at hooker from a rib injury.
Mitch Barnett also makes his return following a suspension, causing Jacob Saifiti to move into lock and force Pauli Pauli onto the bench.
Danny Levi has been ruled out with a back injury that is likely to end his season early with surgery likely to be on the cards. Retiring veteran Jeremy Smith will also be absent for this one.
Prediction
The Panthers need to win, they have to get the two points and keep the points flowing if they want to get that finals spot with so many teams nipping at their heels.
There isn’t a whole lot for the Knights to keep playing for with pride already out the window. They have had some incredibly tight performances at home this year though so don’t expect them to roll over.
Penrith to win by 18
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