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 red-hot Penrith Panthers will look to make it nine straight wins when they travel to face the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday evening. The Panthers narrowly escaped with a 30-26 golden point win over the Titans last week after squandering a 24-0 half-time lead, needing Nathan Cleary’s clutch boot to get them home.

Ironically, Penrith’s winning run began after a 25-6 loss to Newcastle in Round 12—the Knights’ most recent victory. Since then, Adam O’Brien’s side has slumped to four consecutive defeats, including a 44-18 hammering from Canberra in Round 20. Newcastle will be buoyed by the return of Bradman Best and the debut of Jake Arthur at five-eighth, while Penrith will be without Isaah Yeo, with Isaiah Papali’i stepping into the middle.

The Panthers remain favourites, but with Newcastle fresh from a bye and holding recent bragging rights, an upset isn’t out of the question.