Panthers gamble pays off as they defeat Newcastle in entertaining clash

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Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights

The Penrith Panthers were able to rest their Origin contingent yet still record a comfortable win over the Knights on Saturday night 20 points to 12.

Tyrone Peachey was the star on the night although his centre partner Izack Tago was almost equally as damaging.

'The Peach' crossed for a double and had a try assist in a wonderful effort. To make that effort even more impressive it came against former QLD Origin great Dane Gagai.

Tago equally dominated his direct oponent in Bradman Best. Tago ran for a game high 238 metres and broke a ridiculous 11 tackles. 

Penrith burst out of the blocks and crossed in the eighth minute through the every reliable Dylan Edwards. He broke a series of tackles to score next to the posts. He had a near flawless night and put a good foot forward for a potential Origin Three call up.

Kalyn Ponga would cross in the 17th minute after Newcastle wrestled back momentum. Ponga has stared for his Knights since returning to fullback.

From there it became the Tyrone Peachey show as he crossed for a try in the 25th minute and then again in the 33rd minute.

Jack Hetherington was sent to the sin bin three minutes prior to the break due to a moment of madness. It looked as though the floodgates may open following the break.

This would come, somewhat, to pass as Jaeman Salmon crossed from dummy half as Hetherington's time in the bin expired.

Jackson Hastings breathed some much needed life into the contest with a brilliant solo try in the 57th minute. He converted his own try and it looked to be game on.

Unfortunately the game fell away from there and petered out, despite Tyrone Peachey's best efforts.

Newcastle dropped a second straight game to a heavily Origin-depleted side. The loss was their third in a row and sets up a must win game next week against the Dogs.

Meanwhile Penrith head to Melbourne next Friday night on the back of a win and having rested their Origin stars.

Pretty much a perfect night for the high flying Panthers who, momentarily return to the top of the table.