Panthers v Knights preview - 2017 Round 3

v BYE at

The ever improving Knights face the toughest test of their 2017 campaign thus far against a hungry Penrith outfit at the foot of the mountains.

Despite being installed as Premiership favourites before a ball was kicked off the Panthers find themselves only ahead of Wooden Spoon favourites Newcastle by a slim differential margin of two. What was originally viewed as a quite gentle start to their season has been anything but, quite evidently headlined by their 42-10 thumping at the hands of the Dragons. They were quick to bounce back to their credit, treating the Tigers to a similar fate when they ran away for a 36-2 victory a week later. Yet, a controversial last start loss to the Roosters will see Penrith enter Round 4 with just two points on the competition ladder and hungry for more after squandering numerous chances in last week's 14-12 loss. The fourteen errors by the Roosters gifted the Panthers with plenty of opportunities to close out the game, yet, to Easts' credit they hung on before former Panther Michael Gordon landed the killer blow late. Ill-discipline was also Penrith's undoing in last week's loss, conceding ten penalties and this will need to be rectified if they want to figure in September footy. James Fisher-Harris will spend time on the sidelines after suffering a fractured cheekbone in the game against the Roosters with his replacement Bryce Cartwright also ruled out again. This means that Tyrone Peachey is a possibility of shifting to the second row, with Peta Hiku take his place in the back line. This may present Corey Harawira-Naera with the chance of a debut off the bench.

The Panthers, however, cannot underestimate a Knights side who, despite their recent history, are looking increasingly likely to avoid a third successive spoon. Surprisingly, although everyone has been talking about the creative brilliance of the Penrith side, the Knights head into this clash with the third best attack in the competition. Conversely, they have leaked the third most amount of points. Yet, seeing that the Novocastrians only averaged 12 points a game in 2016 you can safely say that the Knights will not be finishing 2017 with just one victory. Importantly, as was displayed in last week's loss, the Knights are yet to completely capitulate in a similar fashion to last year and have only fallen by four and six point margins. How they handle a determined Penrith side, however, is another question.

Last meeting: Round 23 2016 - Knights 6 Panthers 42

Who to watch: Against a frail defensive side, you cannot look further than Tyrone Peachey. Peachey has built upon the success of his 2016 campaign, averaging 5.3 tackle busts, 2.0 line breaks and 165 running metres in 2017. Peachey has been instrumental in all of Penrith's performances and should prove a constant menace for the Knights on Friday.

For the Knights, Mitchell Barnett has proved quite the astute purchase and this is proven by his efforts in 2017. In three games Barnett has averaged a solid 98 running metres and 38 tackles. Yet, he does not need to do anything really fancy on Friday night. Rather, if he can inspire his fellow forwards to aim up against Penrith's massive pack it will go a long way to giving his side a shot at a big upset.

The favourite: Penrith are very short-priced favourites to claim their first victory at home.

My tip: The Knights have been gallant so far this season but the Panthers should be fired up after last week's close finish and possess the attacking firepower to seriously challenge Newcastle's vulnerable defence. Penrith by 16.

1. Matt Moylan 2. Dean Whare 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 21. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Peta Hiku 15. Leilani Latu 16. Viliame Kikau 17. Sitaleki Akauola

4. Peter Mata'utia 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 11. Sione Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 14. Luke Yates 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Mitchell Barnett 15. Jack Stockwell 16. Sam Stone 17. Jacob Saifiti 19. Joe Wardle

Referees: Henry Perenara, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Jared Maxwell;