Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Prediction: Panthers expected to dominate

Newcastle International Sports Centre will host the National Rugby League round 15 encounter between Newcastle Knights and Penrith Panthers. How will this game end?

Newcastle Knights are off the back of a second consecutive defeat coming against Melbourne Demons. In a game that ended 36-28, Newcastle Knights had also lost 2-32 to Canterbury Bulldogs in a prior encounter on the final day of May. However, previous games to those defeats saw Newcastle Knights win four straight games, defeating Dolphins, New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers, and Gold Coast Titans. In the NRL this season, Newcastle Knights 14 points accumulated from 13 matches.

Penrith Panthers will hope to end their inconsistency when they take on the Newcastle Knights in this game. In their last match, Penrith Panthers played Manly Sea Eagles, and they secured a 32-22 win at home. However, prior games to that win saw Penrith Panthers win just one of their last three games, losing to New Zealand Warriors and the St. George Illawarra Dragons, while their lone win was against Cronulla Sharks. In the league this season, Penrith Panthers have 20 points from 13 matches, positioning them 3rd in the standings. 

Penrith Panthers have the better team and are the favorites here. While the Newcastle Knights have struggled in the last matches, they are expected to show character here. However, the Panthers, provided they are at their best and show a desire to win, have what it takes to hand Newcastle Knights their third defeat in a row.