Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights Predictions: Panthers purring at the right time

Defending NRL champions Penrith have once again hit top form at the right time, and they should continue their winning run when they face Newcastle Knights on Sunday (05:00 BST).

Ivan Cleary's team return to the BlueBet Stadium, and they can move within two points of the Melbourne Storm, who were surprisingly beaten 16-18 by the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday.

The Knights are still in the hunt for the play-offs, but their recent results suggest they could be in trouble on Sunday. 

Below you can find my Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights prediction.

Team News

Cleary will be without James Fisher-Harris due to a groin injury, but Lindsay Smith will fill the void, giving Matt Eisenhuth an oppotunity from the bench.

Dylan Edwards and Daine Laurie remain sidelined with knee and head injuries, respectively, while Isaiah Iongi should make his NRL debut at full-back.

Knights half-back Jackson Hastings has been dropped, with Phoenix Crossland taking over the No.7 jersey, while Jayden Brailey will start at hooker.

Bradman Best's hamstring injury stops him from travelling, but Adam Elliott is back in the fold after recovering from a calf problem.

Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights Odds

Penrith are the overwhelming 1/11 favourites, the draw is 25/1, while the Knights are considered 13/2 underdogs.

The Panthers have been boosted to 13/8 to score the first three tries on Sunday, while the hosts are 1/4 to win the first half.

Penrith Panthers to score the first three tries - Boosted to 13/8 from 6/4

The Panthers have clicked into a groove since losing 16-6 to the North Queensland Cowboys in June.

Cleary's men have won three on the bounce since then, and their 46-10 victory over the Dragons was a huge statement on the road.

With Nathan Cleary fit and in rhythm since recovering from a hamstring injury, the Panthers will be tough to stop.

Penrith should take control from the outset, especially with the Knights failing to score a first-half point against the hapless Brisbane Broncos last weekend.

Penrith Panthers -20 @ 11/10

The Panthers have won 13 of their past 15 games against the Knights, with Newcastle's last win at the BlueBet Stadium coming in 2018.

While the Knights have won four in five on the road, those victories have not come against teams of the calibre of Penrith.

Cleary's outfit have won the NRL Grand Final for three consecutive seasons, and they should overpower Newcastle in a routine win on Sunday.

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