Knights v Panthers preview

Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers
Hunter Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

Possibly match of the round, but relegated to one of the least-watched timeslots of the weekend.

While Newcastle are busy celebrating "Voice for Mining day" in their striking hi-vis orange jerseys this weekend, the Penrith Panthers will be trying to dig themselves out of an injury hole they probably didn't see coming so early in the season. The lack of direction without five-eighth Jamie Soward showed on Monday night in his side's loss to the Roosters was telling, and Isaac John will need to step up big time if the mountain men are to overcome the undefeated Knights. The loss of George Jennings ahead of a potential rematch with brother Michael last weekend also took some starch out of their lethal backline.

For Newcastle it's a matter of consolidating the victories they've been able to muster over the opening three rounds. A far cry from the dominance of fellow table-toppers South Sydney, the Knights have grafted out tough, small-margin wins over two early-season also-rans in the Cowboys and Titans, and the league's most inconsistent club in the Warriors. There are many wondering when the dream run for the Novocastrians will come to an end, and a formidable Penrith team - even without Soward - poses a big threat.

Last meeting: Round 9 2014 - Newcastle Knights 10 Penrith Panthers 32

Who to watch: Dallin Watene Zelezniak has provided some magical highlights in his short NRL career - his corner finishing ability up there with the best wingers in the game. Watch the Panthers use him both low and wide as well as under the high ball to pressure the hosts into mistakes and potential points.

For Newcastle, much has been made of Beau Scott's aggression in recent weeks - and when facing up to the Panthers' bustling but mobile forward pack, he's gonna need every bit of it. After being accused of bully tactics in defence in his side's gruelling win over North Queensland, Scott stepped up in attack against the Titans last week, crossing the stripe himself and running encouraging lines to allow Newcastle's smaller men to benefit.

The favourite: Penrith hold a slender lead in this department with the bookies - the manner of their two wins to date probably the telltale sign.

My tip: It's tempting fate to tip against Newcastle at home, but the quality of Penrith's lineup across the park just wins out for mine. Panthers by 4.

1. Kurt Gidley 2. James McManus 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. David Fa'alogo 11. Beau Scott 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Chris Houston 16. Paterika Vaivai 17. Jack Stockwell 18. Sione Mata'utia

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Jamal Idris 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Isaac John 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Brent Kite 11. Sika Manu 12. Lewis Brown 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Regan Campbell-Gillard 17. Bryce Cartwright

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Luke Phillips;

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