The nib Newcastle Knights have suffered a 38-20 defeat by the Penrith Panthers at Carrington Sports ground this afternoon.
Penrith opened the scoring when Jarome Luai put through a grubber kick which was pounced upon by Taylan May to make it 4-0 to the Panthers.
The Knights hit back halfway through the first half when Dane Gagai's flick pass found Dominic Young who cruised over in the corner. Clifford's conversion put the Knights ahead 6-4.
Young opens the account for the Knights
Knights prop Daniel Saifiti was placed on report for a high shot on Penrith's Izack Tago.
Knights forward Mitch Barnett was sent from the field by the referee after a high shot on Chris Smith.
The Panthers extended their lead through Izack Tago before Tex Hoy found a gap in Penrith's defence to score for the Knights.
Tex Hoy carves them up
Tago responded for the Panthers after pouncing on a kick from Taylan May to make it 24-12.
Penrith further increased the lead when Crichton found space on the right to slide over in the corner and make it 28-12.
The Knights fought back through Bradman Best who found space on the left to slide over in the corner and make it 28-16.
Enari Tuala finished off a slick move to make the scores 28-20 with less then seven minutes to go before Stephen Crichton and Taylan May rounded out the win for the Panthers to make it 38-20.
