An early season blockbuster comes to Newcastle on Saturday Afternoon, as the second place Knights take on the third place Panthers at Hunter Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm (AEDT).
The Knights have gotten off to the best possible start in 2015, winning three straight, including two in Queensland. A return home is welcome for the Novocastrians, who have won six on the trot in Newcastle. They would love to continue their unbeaten start to 2015, and they should view this game as extremely winnable.
The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season last weekend, going down to a solid Roosters outfit 20-12. Although the loss will hurt, the Panthers are still a bona fide premiership threat this season, and they would love to get their season back-on-track with a win over the Knights.
With a home clash against the Cowboys coming up in Round 5, the Panthers could lay the foundation for a very successful season with a win on Saturday.
The Knights have been forced into one change, with Korbin Sims out suspended. David Fa’alogo moves into the starting 13, while Paterika Vaivai has been named on the bench for his second game of NRL. Sione Mata’utia is once again in the Number 18 jersey for the Newcastle club.
The Panthers have chosen to go with the same 17 that lost to the Roosters last weekend. Isaac John remains in the five-eighth jersey, with Jamie Soward expected to miss another 3-4 weeks after back surgery.
The Knights have dominated this matchup, winning 17 of the last 26 matches between the two clubs. The Panthers did win both matches in 2014 however, getting up by 22 at both Penrith and Newcastle. The Knights are currently riding a five game winning streak (dating back to last season), while the Panthers have won three of their last five clashes over all.
Prediction
The Panthers will start as slight favourites in this game, but this has go to be one of the toughest games to pick this weekend. I’m going to go with the upset, as I think the Knights will do enough to get the win at home.
Knights by 2
Dav
Guest
Did Scott the enforcer? do cheap shots on the Penrith halves?
Doug Graves
Guest
Yes, yes it is
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Doesn't say much of anything really.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Says allot of how Wayne Bennett coached the Knights they are leading the comp (but not for long) in 2015 lol
Bob
Guest
Is it to early to say Knights could go through the season undefeated?
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULLTIME The Knights will be on top of the table after Round 4, as they drop the Panthers 26-14 to continue their unbeaten run in 2015. The Knights dominated the first half, and found themselves with an 18-4 lead at the break. The Panthers didn't really get going until the last 15 minutes, and even then they looked disjointed. A disappointing result for the Panthers, as they drop their second game in a row. This doesn't affect their Premiership Credentials, but a Top 2 finish may be harder to get. Ivan Cleary won't be happy with this performance, and they have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball at training this week.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Wow panthers played bad that first 20 minutes.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
PENALTY SUCCESSFUL Knights 26 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
79' The Knights' will enjoy this victory. They haven't started a season 4-0 since 2002. Tyler Randall wants a try, and he almost gets one. This will be the last play, and Tyrone Peachey is penalised for being offside as the siren sounds. Tyrone Roberts will kick for goal. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' 2 Minutes left. Can the Panthers get a miracle here? Just as I say that, Mansour knocks the football on, and that'll be game over. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
77' The Panthers have room not he left side, but the defence is scrambling well. They come to the short side on the last. Cartwright offloads to Mansour, who is forced to grubber one through. Gidley has a fumble, but the ball bounced off his knees. He's very lucky there. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
75' Less than 5 minutes now. Surely the Knights have done enough. Jeremy Smith winds one up, and he has the Knights to the Panthers' 40. They go to Gagai on the last, and he grubbers for himself. He gets the ball back, but he's tackled on the last, and the Panthers will start their set from their own 10. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
74' Tyrone Peachey with a one-on-one strip!! Jeremy Latimore has a go at the line, but he's stopped short, now a short ball to Elijah Taylor, and he's lucky to hold on to that one. Moylan now with a panicky kick, and Uate has no issues cleaning it up. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
73' The Panthers are in business again, as they come to the left side. Last play now, and they'll come through the hands. Idris gets a ball away to Mansour, but the defence is there, and we'll have a changeover. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
72' Jamal Idris with a strong run up the gut, and now Yeo gets his club out to the 40. They come right where, Whare is away. He tries to get the ball away to DWZ, but the ball is knocked away, and Peachey restart play. Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY PANTHERS No issues with obstruction. The Panthers aren't dead yet. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 24 Panthers 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
VIDEO REF PANTHERS 70' Penrith comes to the left, and they have the numbers. Dean Whare catches on the outside of his man, and he's gone straight through to score!!! Will we see the miracle? Knights 24 Panthers 8
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
70' Matt Moylan almost sends Elijah Taylor through, and he wins a penalty for his troubles. Under 10 left now. The Panthers need a miracle. Knights 24 Panthers 8
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
68' Adam Clysdale is coming off for a concussion test. His day is most likely over. Gidley with a good run up the middle, and the Knights are in business. They come to the left, where Mullen finds Houston, but he's tackled 10 away. Mullen puts a grubber through here, but the ball bounces unkindly for Uate, and it bounces dead off his chest. Knights 24 Panthers 8
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
67' Tyrone Peachey is through the line, and he sends Whare away!! The Knights scrambling defence gets back, but the Panthers are in business again. Last play from inside the 20, and Wallace comes through the hands to Moylan. The fullback puts in a grubber, but it's too heavy, and the Knights will get the 20 tap. Knights 24 Panthers 8