McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 23 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday August 8, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Where: McDonald Jones Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Odds

Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Preview

The surging Penrith Panthers will aim for a ninth consecutive win when they take on the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday evening. Last week, the Panthers were forced to dig deep, surviving a dramatic 30-26 golden point thriller against the Titans after letting a commanding 24-0 lead slip away—ultimately rescued by Nathan Cleary’s reliable boot.

In a twist of fate, Penrith’s current streak began after a 25-6 defeat to Newcastle in Round 12—the Knights’ last victory. Since then, Adam O’Brien’s men have endured four straight losses, including a demoralising 44-18 defeat at the hands of Canberra in Round 20. They’ll take confidence from the return of strike centre Bradman Best and the debut of Jake Arthur at five-eighth, while the Panthers will be without the influential Isaah Yeo, with Isaiah Papali’i slotting into the middle.

Penrith enters as firm favourites, but with Newcastle fresh off a bye and having upset the Panthers earlier this year, an ambush can’t be ruled out.