Panthers vs Knights NRL Round 3 betting odds & predictions

Panthers vs Knights NRL betting preview

The Newcastle Knights were embarrassed by Penrith in the final round of 2019 and David Klemmer described the trip home as one of the longest of his career.

Despite Kalyn Ponga’s suspension and Jayden Brailey’s season-ending injury, the Knights have a great chance to move to 3-0 on the season.

Sione Mata’utia will play his first game of the 2020 NRL Premiership campaign, replacing the injured Mitch Barnett, while new recruit Andrew McCullough will add veteran experience to a position where Newcastle have lacked stability in years gone by.

In round one they held a team scoreless for the first time in six years and in round two they scored 42 points to defeat the Tigers. Despite not having a great five-eighth outside Mitchell Pearce, the Knights look like a team who can rack up points in 2020.

While the Penrith Panthers looked like a happy football team in the opening weeks of the season, for this game they look to be a little thin in key positions.

They will be without star halfback Nathan Cleary after he was suspended for his infamous TikTok incident, which sees Matt Burton come in for just his second game in the seniors.

There are big raps on Burton after a fantastic debut last season, but this game presents a completely different challenge. Jarome Luai will also have to take on more responsibility, which may limit his impact due to having a rookie half inside him.

If the Panthers are to get the win, they will have to lean heavily on Api Koroisau at dummy-half. He gave Penrith another attacking dimension in the opening games and should play a huge role on Sunday, with Caleb Aekins supporting any chances he finds around the ruck.

Best bet for Panthers vs Knights

While the Panthers don’t have to travel too far, Campbelltown offers them no great home advantage. Both sides are missing some key players, but the Knights should make it three from three if they’ve prepped well enough.