The Newcastle Knights host the Penrith Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, in what shapes as one of the most lopsided matchups of the round.

The Knights have been one of the early-season surprise packets but fell apart in the second half against the Roosters last week, conceding 26 unanswered points in a concerning second half capitulation.

A massive injury has built up for the homeside, still missing Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best, as well as losing Dylan Lucas and Tyson Frizell. 

Before their Round 7 performance they lost Thomas Cant, which has left Justin Holbrook’s side seriously searching for depth for this clash.

The Panthers scraped by the Dolphins with a one-point win in golden point thanks to Nathan Cleary’s heroics, and they welcome back Casey McLean into the side.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Knights vs Panthers tips and predictions below.

Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Penrith haven’t quite hit their peak across the last couple of weeks and were lucky to escape with a victory in Darwin.

They will hope this match helps their dominant winning ways click back into gear.

Newcastle have shown they can be broken down defensively, and the Panthers’ attacking system is built to capitalise on repeat opportunities.

The away side hopes they can set a club record with a ninth consecutive win against the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.

With Penrith boasting too much class across the park and Newcastle’s injury toll mounting at a bad time, the Panthers should cruise to a comfortable victory and are well placed to cover the line with ease.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Fletcher Sharpe has scored at least one try in six of his last seven home appearances.

Sharpe’s speed and ability to find space would be the best start to the game for the Knights.

Betting tip: Fletcher Sharpe.

Over/Under Prediction

Four of Newcastle's last five home matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (49.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Penrith has covered the line in each of its last six matches when playing with a rest advantage.

Betting tip: Panthers (-13.5) line.

Knights vs Panthers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Fletcher Hunt

Fletcher Hunt has scored at least one try in four of Newcastle's last five matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Trey Mooney

Trey Mooney has scored a try in each of Newcastle's last two matches.

Dylan Edwards

Dylan Edwards has scored at least one try in each of Penrith's last four away matches.

Lindsay Smith

Lindsay Smith has scored a try in each of Penrith's last two away matches against Newcastle.

Knights vs Panthers Teams

Newcastle Knights Team List

1. Fletcher Sharpe

2. Dominic Young

3. Dane Gagai

4. Fletcher Hunt

5. James Schiller

6. Sandon Smith

7. Dylan Brown

8. Jacob Saifiti (c)

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Francis Manuleleua

12. Jermaine McEwen

13. Mat Croker

14. Harrison Graham

15. Pasami Saulo

16. Cody Hopwood

17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumooana

18. Asu Kepaoa

Penrith Panthers Team List

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins 

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To’o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Lindsay Smith 

11. Isaiah Papali’i 

12. Luke Garner

13. Isaah Yeo 

14. Jack Cogger

15. Scott Sorensen 

16. Kalani Going

17. Billy Phillips 

18. Izack Tago

Knights vs Panthers Match Details

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEDT.

Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.