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Two teams battling to squeeze into a top-8 finish can take a giant step towards achieving that goal when the Penrith Panthers take on the Newcastle Knights at Centrebet Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.00pm AEST.
The Panthers have surprised most pundits in 2013. A team with zero star power and a bevy of new faces, they knocked off minor premiers the Storm in Round 9 and have won five out of seven games since to plant themselves in seventh place.
Equal with the Panthers on points but slightly ahead on for and against, the Knights have built their wins on the work of their halves.
Jarrod Mullen’s kicking game has been on song more often than not, while Tyrone Roberts’ passing game and ability to take on the line provides the perfect complement.
That said, the Knights have been poor on the road, managing just two wins from eight away games, though the recent return of veteran Danny Buderus in the hooking role provided much-needed direction to help them defeat the Bulldogs in Mackay in Round 17.
Speaking of veterans, for the first time in his career recent Knights signing Craig Gower lines up against the team for whom he made 238 appearances.
Buderus and Gower have almost 700 first grade games between them and their experience will prove invaluable.
The Panthers have had a horror week with injuries, losing in-form forwards Nigel Plum and Matt Robinson and centre Brad Tighe for an extended period of time.
A major reshuffle has been required from coach Ivan Cleary and it’ll be sure to test the structures the Panthers coach has been working on implementing.
On paper, you’d expect the Knights to win this, with a potent backline and loads of experience in their forwards, from Buderus and Gower to Willie Mason, Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott.
But the Panthers have defied expectations on several occasions in 2013, and with the home ground advantage I’m backing them to do it again this afternoon.
Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.00pm AEST, and be sure to let us know your thoughts if you’re following along.
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