By Claire Stebauer
Penrith Panthers delivered a dominant 42–26 win over the Newcastle Knights in Round Eight of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, with an explosive opening half proving the difference at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Panthers wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest, with Jakeb Vailalo charging onto the ball and powering through defenders to score and lead 4-0. The dominance through the middle continued as Luron Patea crashed over soon after.
Penrith extended their lead through a well-worked set play from a scrum feed 30 metres out, as winger Jirah Liddiard crossed untouched. The momentum didn’t stop there, with late inclusion Haami Loza slicing through shortly after, dummying and reaching out to score on the left edge. At 22-0 inside 15 minutes, the Panthers were in complete control.
It took nearly 20 minutes for the Knights to complete a set, but once they did the momentum turned and they earned a penalty. Building pressure in Penrith’s 20, Mitch Henderson linked up with Siteni Taukamo, who burst into space to score and give the home side their first points.
With the Knights’ attack improving they scored again, as a sweeping play from a kick return saw the back three combine brilliantly, with Taukamo and Reeve Howard linking up before Marcus D’Acre created space for Aoake to finish down the left. The hosts trailed 22-10.
A late Jesse McLean sin bin for a professional foul handed Newcastle another chance, and with only seconds remaining, they opted to take the two points. The successful penalty goal reduced the margin to 10 at the break, trailing 22-12.
Penrith struck first in second half when Kurt Falls put in a clever grubber right of the posts, with Loza showing great urgency to win the race to the ball and score. Newcastle eventually responded through Howard, who cut through the right edge before finding Wilson De Courcey on the inside, which brought the Knights back within 10 points at 28-18 with 18 minutes remaining.
The Panthers soon capitalised on another error as Loza produced a perfectly weighted grubber for Sione Fonua who finished well to score. The pair combined again moments later, with Loza setting up Fonua for a quick double.
The Knights refused to go away. Siteni Taukamo continued his outstanding performance scoring twice late in the game to complete his hat-trick.
Penrith sealed the result through Jesse McLean, who redeemed his earlier sin bin, regathering a kick, racing away to score and putting the finishing touches on a strong 42-26 win.
Talking Points
Haami Loza made a huge impact as a late inclusion, delivering a standout performance with two tries and strong involvement throughout the match. His energy and creativity around the ruck consistently put the Knights on the back foot.
Siteni Taukamo was Newcastle’s best, scoring a hat-trick and providing a constant threat on the edge. His finishing kept the Knights in the contest, particularly during their late push.
Key Moment
The opening 15 minutes shaped the game, with Penrith racing out to a 22-0 lead as Newcastle struggled to complete a set, forcing the Knights to chase the game from the outset.
What’s Next?
The Panthers will look to continue their strong run when they face Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Parker Street Reserve, while the Knights return home to McDonald Jones Stadium to take on the Melbourne Storm.
