Round 7: Penrith v Newcastle preview
Penrith would have learnt a lot from last week's 20-12 win over Brisbane.
Whether it was fatigue or complacency, the Panthers lacked their usually intensity up front and will be out for an improved performance against Newcastle.
The Panthers could be set for a double boost ahead of Thursday night's clash with fullback Dylan Edwards and hooker Apisai Koroisau both named in the extended squad.
The addition of Edwards in particular would be timely given Paul Momirovski failed to have his dangerous contact charge downgraded, seeing him suspended for three weeks.
If Edwards is fit it will see Stephen Crichton freed up to move back to the centres after a mixed three weeks deputising for the first-choice fullback.
Crichton warmed into the role in the later stages of all three games but at times was caught out of position or came up with the wrong options in attack.
Edwards, widely considered the fittest of all the Panthers, was in career-best form before suffering a broken hand.
Koroisau, on the other hand, was fulfilling his role perfectly prior to his wrist injury - chiming in and out of the attack when needed.
Mitch Kenny is a handy replacement and a workhorse in the middle but Koroisau's deception out of dummy-half is crucial if either Nathan Cleary or Jarome Luai have an off night.
The Panthers were widely tipped to take care of Newcastle the last time these two sides met, with an injury-ravaged Knights team falling to an early deficit.
However, the injection of youth off the bench in Brodie Jones, Tex Hoy and Chris Randall helped the Knights surge back and claim a 14-all draw.
Adam O'Brien will be hoping a similar resilience powers his team to an upset victory on Thursday.
Kalyn Ponga was simply outstanding last week, popping miraculous late passes which were simply undefendable to snatch a 26-22 win over Cronulla.
Ponga's individual brilliance shapes as Newcastle's best chance of breaking a Penrith team that just forgotten how to lose.
Last meeting: Round 3 2020 - Panthers 14 Knights 14
Who to watch: The battle between young centres Matt Burton and Bradman Best should be an interesting one, regardless of whether they line up against each other or not. Both are well-developed for their age, fast improving when it comes to dealing with the physicality of the league. Best in particular is well beyond his years in that capacity, with his size and strength allowing him to palm even the most experienced defenders off. Penrith are so strong at sticking to their systems in defence that it will require individual brilliance to crack the table toppers. Ponga, as mentioned earlier, is capable of doing just that but the tackle-busting Best will also prove a handful. Burton, on the other hand, has added motivation to perform with Momirovski sidelined. If he continues to lift Ivan Cleary may have no choice but to keep him in the starting team.
The favourite: You can't go past the undefeated Panthers.
My tip: Newcastle do have genuine game breakers capable of bursting the Panthers' bubble but last year's grand finalists are a class above, particularly in the halves. Penrith by 16.
