The Panthers grinded to a 26-18 win in a quality contest in Newcastle, as the Knights put it up to the competition heavyweights with a promising surge that ultimately yielded nothing more than a moral victory.
It was the experience and energy of Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards that got Penrith over the line, while Jackson Hastings did his best to motivate a young Knights outfit.
They are certainties to be named later on Sunday in Michael Maguire’s reshaped team for Origin II – Luai to survive the call for new halves and Edwards to reclaim the fullback jersey he relinquished to James Tedesco when a thigh injury ruled him out of what would have been his NSW debut.
Penrith were a little slow out of the blocks, as rookie Fletcher Sharpe wasted no time for the game to come to him.
Sharpe bolted through the Panthers left edge in just his second NRL game, to open the score and gift Newcastle fans with hope early.
Yet, as the Panthers have done best over the last three seasons, they remained calm and stuck to their process.
Adam O’Brien didn’t mince his words post game, letting Michael Maguire know Bradman Best was be a pick in his Blues side.
“He was dangerous all night (Bradman). He doesn’t have to do anymore, surely,” O’Brien said.
“I think he’ll be there.”
Jarome Luai strolls over for the Panthers. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Ring-in halfback Brad Schneider started pulling the strings – as Scott Sorensen contested a sixth-play kick, taking possession of the ball, which illustrated his athleticism and versatility as a backrower.
Penrith went on for a quick one-two, finding Brian To’o in space, who made no mistake in finding the try-line after a classy cut-out from Schneider.
It was then Luai’s time to turn it up – the No.6 had all the time in the world, slicing through Newcastle’s right side defence before setting up Lindsay Smith with a nifty short-ball.
While Penrith went in with a 20-6 lead, leaving Adam O’Brien hot under the collar, what transpired in the second was all thanks to Hastings.
He has been under big criticism in 2024, not only as the Knights’ No.7, but as a genuine halfback at NRL level.
The former Rooster put Dylan Lucas through a hole in the 52nd minute and placed a perfect chip for Bradman Best just five minutes later.
With a quarter to go, Penrith were only just holding on by two points.
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Edwards rallied with his usual non-stop running metres – but it was his support play that made the difference. He linked up with underrated prop Moses Leota to score under the posts, giving Penrith breathing space and momentum.
The second stint of James Fisher-Harris and Sorensen brought power and structure back to the away side’s set – as it seemed Newcastle peaked on their comeback run.
With 10 minutes to go, the Penrith pack took control of the game, slowing down the ruck and keeping Newcastle within their own half.