Penrith Panthers are back in the winner’s circle with an impressive 48-16 win over the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A new halves combination of Jack Cole and Jack Cogger saw Ben Harden’s team back to their attacking best with both halves playing a vital role in the team's win.
A knock on from the Knights gifted the Panthers with their first attacking set within Newcastle territory.
Off the back of the scrum, halfback Cogger found space within the defensive line early in the play, stepping past defenders to open the scoring.
Five-eighth Cole took over the kicking duties this week, converting Cogger’s try taking the score to 6-0.
Off the back of quick play the balls during their sets the home team marched down field and into Penrith’s half. Halfback Liam Sutton found the line in the 14th minute, opening the scoring for his team.
The conversion attempt from lock Thomas Cant was unsuccessful leaving the score at 6-4.
The Panthers extended their lead with Jack Cole who pushed his way through the defensive line to cross over for Penrith’s second try of the day.
Cole was unable to convert his own try leaving his team’s lead to six points.
A penalty to Penrith saw the visitors march back down into Knights territory and place some pressure on the defensive line.
A no-look pass from fullback Isaiah Iongi to Jesse McLean saw the centre cross over in the corner for a four pointer.
Cole’s conversion from out wide was successful extending the lead to 16-4.
The Panthers continued to pile on the points, adding another four pointer through prop Eddie Blacker who charged his way through defenders to find the line.
Cole’s conversion rate was successful extending their lead out to 22-4
Penrith crossed over once more right on half time with winger Daeon Amituanai scoring close to the posts. Cole added the two points with Panthers heading into the break with a 24-point lead.
HALF TIME: KNIGHTS 4 – PANTHERS 28
The Panthers started the second half how they finished the first with strong attack that tested the Knights defence on each play.
Penrith opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a set play which saw the ball shifted out to the right, creating an overlap on the right edge for winger Thomas Jenkins to cross over in the corner.
Cole’s conversion was waved to the right leaving the score at 32-4.
A line break from the Knights saw the home team race down field before the ball was flicked out to halfback Liam Sutton who crossed for his second try of the day.
The conversion attempt from captain Thomas Cant was successful taking the score to 32-10.
Newcastle went back-to-back with tries, scoring another four pointer through second rower Oryn Keeley who crashed over the line in the next to the posts. Cant successfully added the two points taking the score to 32-16.
The Panthers extended their lead through a kick chase on the fifth play which saw the ball regathered by the Tyrone Peachey and passed to McLean who crossed for his second try of the day.
Kurt Falls converted McLean’s try extending the lead to 38-16.
Penrith scored once again off the kick off with interchange John Faimu pushing past defenders to score under the posts. Falls added the two, extending the lead out to 28 points.
Winger Thomas Jenkins scored his second four pointer of the day just on full time. Fall’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
FULL TIME: KNIGHTS 16 – PANTHERS 48
