Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction | 2026 NRL | Preliminary Final
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Penrith Panthers will face seventh seed Newcastle Knights for a place in the grand final after the latter shocked New Zealand Warriors in the semi-finals.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Channel 9 / USA – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – 9Now / USA – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Penrith Panthers team news
Nathan Cleary is fit to play for Penrith Panthers despite struggling with a foot injury, whilst Jack Cogger makes a timely return from suspension.
Squad: Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Blaize Talagi, Casey McLean, Brian To'o, Jack Cole, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali'i, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Jack Cogger, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry, Billy Phillips, Luke Garner, Billy Scott, Luron Patea, Freddy Lussick, Izack Tago
Newcastle Knights team news
Newcastle Knights are likely to roll with the same side who defeated the Warriors with no new injury issues since that game.
Squad: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland, Cody Hopwood, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Lachlan Crouch, Pasami Saulo, Dylan Lucas, Fletcher Hunt, Thomas Cant, Kyle McCarthy, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Toby Winter
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights prediction
Newcastle Knights have already pulled off one shock result and now they look to go one step further by halting Penrith Panthers’ charge towards the grand final. Ivan Cleary’s men have been on a mission to regain the title they lost last year and after coming through a tough examination against Sydney Roosters, are now just one win away from the Championship match.
The Panthers may be spoiled from an attacking perspective but it was their defence that most impressed last time out and they’ll need to be strong again. Newcastle Knights are playing with house money following their semi-final upset and will play with no fear again on the road.
However, Penrith should shut down any hopes of an upset. A superb unit with undoubted class and playing with a chip on their shoulder, Cleary side with home advantage will surely have too much for the Knights.
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights tip: Penrith Panthers to win
