The Penrith Panthers face a challenging 2025 NRL season opener against the Newcastle Knights, with key players unavailable due to injury and State of Origin commitments.
Panthers Team News
Penrith enters the season without premiership heroes Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, and Sunia Turuva, who have all moved on. Blaize Talagi is expected to step into the halves, while Lindsay Smith is set to replace Fisher-Harris in the front row. However, Talagi is still recovering from a shoulder injury, which may affect his availability. Brian To’o is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury .(news.bet365.com.au, Penrith Panthers)
Knights Preview
The Newcastle Knights are also dealing with significant absences. Kalyn Ponga is unavailable due to State of Origin duties, and coach Adam O’Brien is under pressure following a series of disappointing results. The Knights have lost seven of their last eight games and are currently sitting 16th on the ladder .(news)
Prediction
Despite the challenges, the Panthers’ depth and experience, particularly in the spine with Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, and Isaah Yeo, should see them edge out the Knights in this matchup. Penrith’s strong forward pack and tactical kicking game are likely to exploit Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities.(news.bet365.com.au)
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