Newcastle have produced some gutsy wins this season but it’ll take their best performance yet to knock off the reigning premiers Penrith.
The Knights have moved Phoenix Crossland to hooker to replace club captain Jayden Brailey who ruptured his right ACL last week for the second time in his budding career.
MATCH CENTRE: Knights v Panthers, teams, stats, video
Tyson Gamble (concussion) returns in the No. 6 jersey just a week out from star playmaker Kalyn Ponga’s scheduled comeback.
The Panthers are chasing a third straight win and coach Ivan Cleary has named the same 17 that flogged Manly last week.
But Blues and Kangaroos backrower Liam Martin has been named on an extended bench and could be named when final’s teams are confirmed an hour before kick-off.
BRUTAL HITS in latest Battle of Brookie! | 01:08
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