Knights v Panthers preview

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Knights play for pride, as Panthers fight for finals

Beaten but not outclassed by Canterbury last Saturday, the Knights will be looking to break their 14 match-losing streak with a strong performance in front of their home fans on Sunday. Having fought back from a 12-point deficit to draw level with the Bulldogs last week, the Knights have shown resilience at home throughout 2016 and will be hoping additional recovery time provides them with an edge heading into the clash. While Kiwi representatives Jeremy Smith and Danny Levi are out through injury, hooker Tyler Randell returns after missing the past month, while energetic backrower Mitchell Barnett will be hoping for a big game returning from suspension. Centre Peter Mata'utia will play his 50th game in the NRL after returning from the Dragons mid-season, while younger brother Sione has been touted for an early return after suffering a broken jaw.

Producing an emphatic performance against the Sydney Roosters on Monday night, the Panthers will be looking to account for the last-placed Knights with a big win. While coach Anthony Griffin has named the same side that triumphed 38-18 on Monday, there is a strong chance that rookie half Te Maire Martin will make his return to first grade after spending the past fortnight in reserve grade. Sitting in seventh position, the Panthers face a tough finish to the season with clashes against the Tigers and Titans to come; with a prime opportunity to secure two points with a win, don't expect the men in black to let up. In recent years the Panthers have struggled against the Knights, managing just three wins from nine encounters, with their last win in Newcastle coming in 2014.

Last meeting: Round 26 2015 - Panthers 30 Knights 12

Who to watch: Producing a determined effort against Canterbury last Saturday, Newcastle forward Pauli Pauli will be looking for another strong game as he continues his first grade development. Signed from Parramatta over the off-season, the 22-year-old behemoth has stood up for the struggling Knights in recent weeks, rewarding the faith shown by Nathan Brown with a series of destructive runs in the starting forward pack. With Mitchell Barnett returning from a two-match ban, Pauli will revert back to the bench where his impact may be telling in how the Knights finish at the end of 80 minutes.

In a season of many highs, Panthers captain Matt Moylan has gone somewhat unnoticed amidst the brilliance of his younger teammates. With much of the focus centering on the likes of Nathan Cleary and Bryce Cartwright, Moylan has remained solid at the back for the Panthers, rewarded with selection in all three Origin matches this season. With Penrith running into form with the finals approaching, the 25-year-old fullback will be looking to lead his side to a dominant win on Sunday in order to give the Panthers the best possible platform to secure a top eight berth.

The favourite: Coming up against the bottom placed Knights, the Panthers are expected to emerge with the two points comfortably.

My tip: Newcastle have shown promise at home in recent outings, but with so much on offer for the Panthers, expect the visitors to prevail in a close encounter. Panthers by 6.

1. Jake Mamo 19. Pat Mata'utia 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Brendan Elliott 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Tyler Randell 10. Mickey Paea 11. Korbin Sims 12. Mitchell Barnett 18. Sione Mata'utia
Interchange: 14. Chris Adams 10. Daniel Saifiti 16. Pauli Pauli 17. Jacob Saifiti

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 19. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola 15. Jeremy Latimore 17. Zak Hardaker 20. Regan Campbell-Gillard

Referees: Dave Munro, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson