Roar Guru
Newcastle have snapped a three-match losing streak by upsetting Penrith 20-12 at Pepper Stadium.
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Final score
Penrith Panthers 12
Newcastle Knights 20
The Penrith Panthers will be looking for an improved, 80-minute performance when they host the Newcastle Knights. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 3pm (AEST).
In their last three matches – against Manly, Canberra and the Titans – Penrith have come back late to snatch improbable victories.
That has catapulted them back into fourth spot on the ladder, but even their most diehard fans know that they can’t keep relying on great escapes.
This week the Panthers will be without Blues five-eighth James Maloney, who’s out with a knee injury, and Tyrone May takes his spot. Prop James Tamou returns from a leg injury, pushing Moses Leota to the bench, while interchange forward Jack Hetherington is suspended after being reported during last week’s win over the Titans.
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown has named an unchanged line-up, although fullback Kalyn Ponga is reportedly struggling with an ankle injury.
The Knights will be keen to snap a three-game losing streak, after being beaten by the Warriors, Wests Tigers and Cowboys to now sit 11th on the ladder.
Defence has been a real problem for Newcastle this season – they have the worst defensive record of any team in the competition, leaking an average of 25 points a game.
Prediction
There will be no big Panthers comeback necessary this week, they’ll lead all the way.
Penrith by 10.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 3pm (AEST).