3 minute read
Penrith Panthers will look to keep the pressure on Melbourne Storm at the top of the NRL ladder when they take on Newcastle Knights.
The Panthers are four points behind the Storm with the games fast running, so victory over the Knights is a must if they are to win the minor premiership.
Winning a fourth grand final on the bounce remains the primary goal for the Panthers however, and that involves peaking at just the right time.
The game is also a big one for the Knights as they look to keep alive their hopes of playing finals at the end of the season.
They sit in 11th spot on the ladder, but are just two points away from eighth. But with so many teams in the same boat, it is going to go right to the wire.
It was a close battle when these two sides met in Round 15 back in June, and another epic battle could be on the cards on Sunday.
. What: Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights
. Where: Panthers Stadium, Penrith
. When: 14:00 (AEST), Sunday 4th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Penrith Panthers 1.20, Newcastle Knights 4.60
Fisher-Harris blow for Panthers
The Panthers are on a hot streak of form and there is a sense of deja vu with the business end of the season fast approaching.
They smashed the Dragons by 36 points last weekend and will look to do the same to the Knights when they return to home soil.
Penrith have a great record against Newcastle, winning 13 of the last 15 meetings, and are the hot fancies once again.
The Panthers can be backed at 1.57 to keep the good times rolling with a victory by 13+ points.
However they head into the game without influential forward James Fisher-Harris, who is set to miss out with a groin injury.
Dylan Edwards and Daine Laurie also remain on the sidelines, but the Panthers should still have enough quality to get the job done.
Brian To'o is one such player. The winger has scored six tries in the last six games against the Knights and will be out to inflict more damage.
To'o can be backed at 6.00 to score the first try of the game or 1.62 to score at anytime.
Knights missing Best
Newcastle hopes of making the top eight have suffered a huge blow after influential centre Bradman Best picked up a hamstring injury.
Dylan Lucas will step into the fold, but they are big boots to fill at a crucial point in the season.
The Knights should be rested after the bye and will be keen to bounce back after losing 30-14 to the Broncos before the break.
They can take heart from the fact they have won four of their last five games on the road, and also gave the Panthers a run for their money earlier this season.
Penrith won by just eight points and the Knights will be out to turn the tables and pull off a shock at the foot of the mountains.
Panthers Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground however, as 2018 was the last time they left with a win.
The Knights can be backed at 13.00 to nick the game by 1-5 points.