Defending premiers Penrith have closed to within two points of the Storm at the top of the table after a tense 22-14 win in a Super Sunday football match against the Knights at BlueBet Stadium, with fine weather, and good ground conditions an exciting game.
The Knights struck first with a try from Daniel Saifiti in the 6th minute, converted by Kalyn Ponga.
The Panthers quickly responded, with Casey McLean scoring a try in the 9th minute, followed by a conversion by Nathan Cleary.
The Panthers pulled ahead with another try by Izack Tago in the 25th minute, and Cleary’s conversion extended the lead to 14-6 at halftime.
In the second half, the Knights fought back with a try from Tyson Frizell in the 56th minute, and another conversion from Ponga narrowed the gap.
However, Cleary sealed the Panthers’ victory with a try in the 69th minute and a successful conversion, followed by a penalty goal in the 79th minute.
The Knights managed a penalty goal by Ponga in the 65th minute, but it was not enough to catch up.
The Panthers’ precise kicking, with Cleary converting all three tries and two penalty goals, proved decisive.
The game ended with the Panthers scoring three tries and the Knights two, leaving the final score at 22-14 in favour of the Panthers.