Knights struggle to beat Panthers

The Newcastle Knights have scored an unconvincing 38-22 victory over a determined Penrith Panthers side at Energy Australia Stadium this afternoon.

The Pnathers had the premiers on the backfoot after they skipped out to an early ten nil lead and that was enough to spur the Knights into action as the Panthers took a slender two point lead into the halftime break.

The second half was a case of what if's for the Panthers with some missed opportunities costing them at least one try but the Knights kept coming and in the end the lack of class in the Panthers outfit was the telling factor with the Knights not gaining the ascendancy until late in the match after repeat sets of six on the Panthers line.

Newcastle play the Bulldogs next week and on todays form would be long odds to beat the Bulldogs after some lacklustre play at times and some very elementary errors by enigmatic fullback, Kurt Gidley.

Newcastle Knights 38 (Tries: Sweeney x 2, Gidley x 2, Morris, O'Doherty, Bailey. Goals: Johns(5/7 )

Penrith Panthers 22 (Tries: Wesser, Whatuira x 2, Halliday. Goals: Hicks 3/4)