The nib Newcastle Knights are back at McDonald Jones Stadium for a Sunday afternoon blockbuster against the reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers.
After coming close to a victory against Melbourne last start, the side will look to bounce back and take down the Panthers in front of the Hunter faithful.
It's Beanie for Brain Cancer Round as we come together to raise important funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation, plus all three grades will take to the field across the day.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v PENRITH PANTHERS
Date: Sunday 16 June
NRL kick-off: 4:05pm
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
The match will be shown live on Nine, Nine Now, Fox League and Kayo Sports.
GAME DAY INFORMATION
We've broken down everything you need to know ahead of kick-off to make sure you enjoy your footy.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since: 1988
Played: 55
Knights: 24
Panthers: 27
Draws: 4
TEAMS
Match: Knights v Panthers
Round 15 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Panthers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher SharpeFullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Enari TualaWinger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia Turuva
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Panthers is number 4 Paul Alamoti
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jack CoggerFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 21 Brad Schneider
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Jarome Luai
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota
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Hooker for Knights is number 14 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Panthers is number 18 Luke Sommerton
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen
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2nd Row for Knights is number 16 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Panthers is number 20 Liam Martin
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Daine Laurie
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Daniel SaifitiInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay Smith
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam Henry
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Interchange for Knights is number 18 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Panthers is number 23 Trent Toelau
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 19 Mat CrokerReplacement for Panthers is number 19 Mavrik Geyer
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
TEAM NEWS
In team news, Bradman Best and Daniel Saifiti have been named to return against the Panthers.
Fletcher Sharpe retains his spot in the No.1 jersey after an impressive debut against Melbourne.
Co-captain Jayden Brailey will run out for his 50th Knights game this weekend.
For the Panthers, Dylan Edwards is named to play following the quad injury which denied him an Origin debut last week and kept him out of Round 14.
Jack Cole is again the preferred partner to Jarome Luai in the halves, while representative back-rower Liam Martin is a chance of making his comeback from an ankle injury after being included in the wider reserves.
BEANIE FOR BRAIN CANCER ROUND
It's Beanie for Brain Cancer Round as we come together to raise important funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation
Holding a special place in the NRL calendar each year, Beanie for Brain Cancer Round brings together Rugby League clubs, players, and fans alike to raise crucial funds for brain cancer through the sale of beanies online, at NRL matches and select retail outlets.
More than one million beanies have been sold since the first Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, helping MHF raise more than $30 million for brain cancer research and patient support.
The Big Three trek will once again take place alongside Beanie for Brain Cancer Round with 64 trekkers set to walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days raising funds and awareness for brain cancer.
Supporters are being urged to help raise much needed funds by buying a beanie or donating to the Mark Hughes Foundation. More information is available at markhughesfoundation.com.au.
FORM GUIDE
The Knights narrowly went down to the Melbourne Storm last start 36-28 in Melbourne.
The red and blue sit in 13th spot on the ladder with six wins from the first 13 games.
Meanwhile, Penrith sit in third spot following a 32-22 win over the Sea Eagles last round.
KEY MATCH-UP
Dane Gagai v Izack Tago: A huge battle in the centres will take place this week.
Gagai was one of the Knights best in a defeated side last week with 246 run metres, one try and two line-breaks.
The experienced outside-back will go up against Tago, who has scored five tries and made 37 tackle breaks so far this season.
STAT ATTACK
Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored 16 tries in 16 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Panthers have not been defeated at McDonald Jones Stadium since 2015.
Jayden Brailey will notch his 50th game for the Club.
