Round 22: Panthers v Knights preview
A Sunday afternoon session doesn't start much better than Penrith Panthers hosting a home game against the Newcastle Knights, with stars on display from both teams.
The home side will be keen to back up the impressive demolition they dealt out to St. Geroge Dragons last round of 46-10.
Nathan Clearly came out firing in vintage form last round, getting a hat trick in his comeback game and showing why he is considered one of the best players in the game.
Coach Ivan Cleary was impressed by the team's quick start, which laid the foundation for them to be in control of the game. The game saw sound performance across the pitch from Sunia Turuva, Brian To'o, Jarome Luai, Mitch Kenny, Scott Sorenson, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Lindsay Smith, big post contact meters from Yeo, Sorenson and Martin. The game wasn't without incident for the Mountain men, with James Fisher-Harris leaving the game with a groin injury and Daine Laurie failing an HIA.
Yeo, in his post-match presser, said it was good to have the Penrith team come back as a unit since Origin and Cleary's injury. Yeo also said it was a pleasure to be at training with Cleary and that the whole team was feeling the buzz; it's a telling sign of a team ready to bulldoze its way into the 2024 finals.
Lindsay Smith has been the iron man of the Panthers side this year, running out for all of their games, and he will be taking the place of the injured James Fisher-Harris. Origin star Dylan Edwards is still out with a knee injury, and Daine Laurie's head knock last round has him sidelined for one game; it gives Isaiah Iongi a chance in the number 1 jersey.
The Knights will be coming off the back of a bye after a 30-14 thumping to the Broncos in round 20. In a game that coach Adam O'Brien felt they lacked patience and execution, he believes the Knight's grip on being in the finals has loosened. Too many errors and chasing points too early show that the Knights lack the cool heads to stir around a roster of talent.
Jackson Hastings has copped the axe this round; Phoenix Crossland will wear the No. 7. Dylan Lucas will replace the injured Bradman Best, and Adam Elliot returns from a calf injury to the back row.
Last meeting: Round 15 2024 - Knights 18 Panthers 26
Who to watch: After last week's performance, anyone who is a fan of the game should be salivating at Nathan Cleary getting his hands or boots on the ball. His presence on the field was enough to push all the talent around him, and it's likely to continue this round. Lindsay Smith has had to answer the call-up to replace Fisher-Harris, and he has shown that he is a forward with more than just a running skill set. A big mobile forward, he will demand the Knights forward attention. Origin forwards Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin are coming off the back of big games, and the Origin series seems to have added more venom to their game. Casey McLean scored his first NRL try last round and will be given another chance to show off his fancy footwork.
Phoenix Crossland has been a solid playmaker for the Knights, slotting into roles where required. It will be great to see if he can answer the call for Adam O'Brien in the halves. Kalyn Ponga will be sure to fire after getting some rest in with the bye and more time to go over the details in training with the team. If anyone is to match Nathan Cleary's freakish ability, it's Ponga. He has the same ability to inspire players around him to find the fire. The Knights forward pack may not have the polish of the Panthers, but they will be able to meet them with grit. Its players like Tyson Frizell, Leo Thompson and Daniel Saifiti that are able to spark a fire that could knock the Panthers off their line in the middle.
FAVOURITE: The odds seem to be right against the Knights. And taking on a fully operational Death Star like the Panthers at home means they would need more than the Force to keep them in touch.
MY TIP: If the Panthers purr like they did last week, then I don't think any team, shy of the Storm playing outside their skin, could come close. It would be a win if the Knights could stay in touch without being humiliated, but I don't really see it. The Panthers to draw a line in the sand for finals, winning by 18.
