Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights - Finals Week 3, 2026
The result
Penrith led 14 to 6 at halftime but the Knights hit back to win 22 to 14 at Accor Stadium. Francis Manuleleua opened the scoring in the 8th minute, and Newcastle never trailed again after the break, with the Panthers' closest approach after the change of ends just 2 points.
How it unfolded
Penrith made 1969 run metres to Newcastle's 1484 and had the better of the ball with 55 percent possession to the Knights' 45. Newcastle still completed its sets better, 81 percent to Penrith's 76, and got through more line breaks, 4 to 2.
Against projection
Sandon Smith scored 80 against a projection of just 30, with Bradman Best also well clear at 59 to a projection of 39. Nathan Cleary's night finished early and badly, 12 points from a projection of 48, while Phoenix Crossland managed only 5 against an expected 40 after 35 minutes on the field.
