Knights vs Panthers Prediction: Newcastle backed to give Penrith a scare

| Saturday 25th April 2026, 7:00

Saturday 25th April 2026, 7:00

The Penrith Panthers’ bid to obliterate the rest of the NRL Premiership may have slowed somewhat, but a win over the Newcastle Knights at the McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday (14:00 local, 05:00 BST, Watch NRL) would ensure they remain the team to beat at the top.

After five sizeable wins off the bat, the Panthers lost to the Bulldogs and then scraped past the Dolphins in their last two matches. My Knights vs Panthers predictions will have to judge whether Ivan Cleary’s side go big again this week. They follow with full team news and Betfred’s match odds.

Knights vs Panthers Betting Tips

Knights +8 @ 8/5
Panthers Under 27.5 Points @ 8/5

*odds correct at time of publishing

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Knights vs Panthers Odds

Naturally, it’s the Panthers who are favourites at 3/10. That implies a 76.9% probability of an away victory.

Newcastle are 11/4 on the Match Winner market, while the draw is 18/1.

As further indication of the expected gap between the two sides, Penrith give up a 13.5-point lead in the two-way handicap. They’re 5/6 on that market, with the Knights 10/11.

Team News

Greg Marzhew misses out for the Knights due to concussion protocols, so in comes James Schiller in Justin Holbrook’s only change to the starting XIII following the loss to the Roosters in Round 7.

Peter Hola drops to the reserve list, with Elijah Leaumoana joining last week’s non-playing subs, Asu Kepaoa and Kyle McCarthy, on the bench.

Rugby League Odds

Panthers boss Cleary welcomes back Casey McLean following a one-match ban, but Mitch Kenny is out for the foreseeable future due to a leg break.

Freddy Lussick starts at hooker in Kenny’s place, with Izack Tago making way for McLean.

Knights +8 @ 8/5

If you’ve glanced at my tips above, you might think I’m fancying a Knights win.

That’s not quite the case necessarily, but what I am expecting is that Newcastle will give the former four-time reigning champs a run for their money.

The Knights carry some real threats, and Holbrook has had them performing to a high standard in most of their fixtures this term.

While the Panthers have to be fancied for the win, this isn’t going to be a pushover. So I fancy the look of the 8/5 about the Knights keeping it within eight at the very least.

Knights vs Panthers - Handicap 3-Way Alternative 2

Knights +8

8/5

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

Panthers Under 27.5 Points @ 8/5

Again, this is based upon a belief the Knights will make things hairy for the Panthers.

Four times already this season, Newcastle have kept their opponents to 18 points or fewer, while Penrith have fallen short of the 27.5 barrier in four of seven fixtures.

So this 8/5 bet has the balance of probability on its side, even if the Panthers do have that ability to let loose when they’re at their very best.

Knights vs Panthers - Panthers Total Points 27.5-30.5

Under 27.5

8/5

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.