NRL Round 11 Preview and Prediction - Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers @ McDonald Jones Stadium

 Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers @ McDonald Jones Stadium
 
Preview - The Newcastle Knights will be looking to make it back-to-back victories for the first time since 2015 when they host the Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday. The Knights finally got a reward for their increased quality and competitiveness in 2017 with a brilliant 34-20 victory over the Raiders in front of their delirious home fans. The win was just the third victory in 34 games under Head Coach Nathan Brown, however this young side has shown clear signs of improvement this season. The Panthers revived their season with a miraculous come from behind victory 36-28 victory over the Warriors at Pepper Stadium last Saturday, Down 28-6 at half time the Panthers put together a 30-0 second half to breath life into a season that was fast slipping away for them. Penrith remain 2 games outside the Top 8 with just 3 wins from their opening 10 games. 
 
History - It was only back in Round 4 when the Panthers dealt the Knights a hiding, winning 40-0 in front of their home fans. Penrith have been dominant over Newcastle of late having won 5 from the past 6, including having scored 40 or more in the last 2 clashes. Overall the Knights hold the advantage historically with 23 victories to 18 defeats and 3 draws against the Panthers. 
 
Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report - The Knight welcome back lock Mitchell Barnett after he made a quicker than expected return from an ankle injury. This forces Sam Stone to the back row with Dane Gagai expected to keep his place at fullback after a dynamic display against the Raiders last week. Englishman Joe Wardle has been named to start in the centres. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - The Panthers have lost back rower James Fisher-Harris who has succumbed to a hamstring complaint. In his place comes exciting prospect Corey Harawira-Naera who has played well when given the opportunity this season. 
 
Verdict - Panthers by 8-16 in a high scoring game
 
The Panthers are about to get their season up and running you feel after that storming come from behind victory over the Warriors. This is the sort of side, for me, that just needed that jolt of confidence and momentum, and that 2nd half wipe out of the Warriors could well carry over into this game. I don't want to disrespect Newcastle as they have been ultra-competitive for the most part this season, however I think whenever they get a win there must be huge sigh of relief. For Penrith, there is simply much more at stake here given they are playing catch up to get back into the race to make the finals in the second half of the season, and they can ill afford to drop this game. I think Nathan Brown will use their 40-0 hiding at the hands of the Panthers earlier this season as motivation for his troops, however I see Penrith winning this game by 2-3 tries to get a 2nd victory on the trot.