Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights
31st May 07:05hrs
Rugby League – Australia – NRL
Pick Panthers -2 Handicap
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: Even odds taken 21:33 GMT, Thursday 28th May
Penrith made a positive start to the new season, winning their opening two games played before lockdown. They get home soil advantage for the restart as they welcome the Knights. The visitors also produced a 100% win record to start with. Which will fall in Sunday’s contest?
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Can Penrith deliver at home?
The Panthers delivered a 20-14 win over the Roosters on the opening weekend of the new NRL season. They followed that up with a success over the Dragons.
The wins were by a six-point and a four-point margin respectively, so this could be a tight battle in terms of handicap lines. There has been a bit of a discrepancy between the two sides though.
The Panthers have conceded almost double the amount of points that the Knights have done. How telling will that be at the end of the day? The Panthers though have won their last two meetings with the Knights.
The most recent of those meetings was on September 7th last year and Penrith produced a thumping 54-10 success. Kurt Capewell is being given his debut for the club in this contest.
Matt Burton comes in at halfback as well for the suspended Nathan Cleary. Cleary is a big loss for them, currently the third highest points scorer in this season’s NRL. Will they miss his kicks?
The Penrith Panthers will look to extend a good run of form against the Knights. The Panthers have won seven of their last eight against the Knights now.
Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton and Brent Naden have all scored two tries this season for the Panthers.
Can Knights snap poor form on Sydney trip?
The Knights also surprised on their start to the Premiership. They opened with a great 20-0 victory over the Warriors, before sticking more than 40 points on the board as they crushed the Wests Tigers.
That is three wins in their last four Premiership games now, stretching back to the end of last season. They have been playing the ball a little bit quicker than the Panthers this season, but have only won 4 of 10 previous matches at the venue.
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The Knights hold the lead in the head to head 19-15 but they have, as mentioned, struggled for recent form against Penrith. They are waiting on the fitness of impact centre Bradman Best.
The last time that the Knights won their opening three games of a season was back in 2015. They had produced an explosive start for new coach Adam O’Brien before the lockdown. Can they pick up where they left off?
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights Betting Advice
The loss of Nathan Cleary is a big one for the Panthers. That’s a variable indeed to consider for this one. However, Penrith have some very good momentum going against the Knights and we would have to back that to continue.
Key Facts – Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights Betting Tip
- Penrith Panthers have won 7 of the last 8 meetings with the Knights
- Both teams have won their opening two games this season
- Newcastle Knights were beaten 54-10 on their last trip to the Campbelltown Stadium
This is going to be a tough restart for the Knights after their big early momentum. Their scoring touch was fantastic across those opening two games, but could be brought back down to earth here.
The best betting odds for Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights
Penrith Panthers to win: 8/11 at Bet365
Draw: 18/1 at Bet365
Newcastle Knights: 21/10 at Bet365
