The Panthers have had eight days to recover after an energy sapping night in Darwin when an 85-minute golden point contest tested their endurance to the limit.<\/p>\n
In the end it was the ice cool Nathan Cleary having the final say as the Panthers outlasted the Dolphins 23-22 to take their record to 6-1 while the Knights are now 4-3 after a loss to the Roosters.<\/p>\n
Of most concern for the Knights will be the second-half fadeout that saw them concede five tries in 25 minutes to turn a 24-12 lead into a 38-24 loss.<\/p>\n
That made it 80 points conceded in the past fortnight for Justin Holbrook’s men who will need a significant lift in defensive intensity if they are to contain the potent Panthers.<\/p>\n
The last time the sides met in Round 23 last year the Panthers racked up 48 points as the Knights spiralled towards the wooden spoon but the men from the Hunter are a very different proposition in 2026.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Knights: Pasami Saulo has been promoted to the starting side on game day with Trey Mooney going to the bench. Greg Marzhew has been ruled out due to a concussion, with James Schiller taking his place. Former Tiger and Panther Asu Kepaoa is part of the six-man bench and could make his club debut. Dom Young will make his 100th NRL appearance. Knights fullback Fletcher Sharpe has scored 14 tries in 12 games at McDonald Jones Stadium. Lachlan Crouch and Wilson de Courcey dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off.<\/p>\n
Panthers:\u00a0The Panthers are 1-19 with no changes on game day. Casey McLean’s return from suspension will see Izack Tago shift to the six-man bench, while Freddy Lussick has won the race to replace injured hooker Mitch Kenny. Jack Cogger is a new face on the interchange. Panthers winger Brian To\u2019o has scored seven tries in eight games against the Knights. Luron Patea and John Fonua made way on Saturday when the squad was trimmed to 20.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Knights have won only one of their last eight games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
\nThe Panthers have won eight of their last nine games against the Knights.
\nKnights fullback Fletcher Sharpe has scored 14 tries in 12 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
\nPanthers winger Brian To\u2019o has scored seven tries in eight games against the Knights.
\nKnights winger Dominic Young will make his 100th NRL appearance.<\/p>\n