‘Absolutely rattled': Bulldogs truth laid bare as Tigers come out firing in Galvin Bowl
But the grudge match quickly turned into a first-half ambush, with Benji Marshall's men taking a big 20-4 lead into halftime.
After years of rebuilding, the Bulldogs have finally positioned themselves as genuine premiership contenders in 2025, or so we thought.
Going into Sunday's grudge match, Canterbury was a perfect 12 from 12 against teams in the bottom 9, but they find themselves on the ropes.
On Sunday, the Bulldogs had plenty of early ball after Terrell May dropped the ball off the kick off.
But after failing to execute, the Tigers made them pay, running in four tries to one in the first half.
And NRL great Cooper Cronk pointed out the Tigers have simply been better in the effort areas.
'The pressure, the intensity, the emotion the Tigers are playing with have the Dogs absolutely rattled,' Ennis said as Adam Doueihi extended the Tigers' lead to 20-0.
' … They are being run over.'
Greg Alexander added: 'This is quite remarkable that a team 14th leads the team coming 3rd'.
'This is remarkable given how 2025 has gone.'
The Tigers led 20-0 with just minutes to go in the first half before some Stephen Crichton magic put Jacob Preston through a hole to give them a sniff right on halftime.
There is plenty of emotion in this, and the second half is sure to provide fireworks on what is a wet and windy Sunday afternoon.
2.50pm: Tigers teach Bulldogs a lesson in a first half masterclass
Doueihi was the star of the first half.
After being catapulted into the halves just an hour before kickoff, with Benji Marshall opting for the veteran over the youngster Latu Fainu, the rookie coach's move proved to be a masterstroke.
Doueihi got the Tigers on the front foot, beating multiple defenders before finding Jahream Bula, who put Jeral Skelton over in the corner for the first points of the afternoon.
The 26-year-old then raced away from deep in his own half before putting Bula over.
Then Api Koroisau darted out of dummy half, before putting in a perfect grubber to Skelton in the corner.
Doueihi then took advantage of a Matt Burton error to sprint away in an incredible length-of-the-field effort to make it 20-0.
The Dogs got one back on the stroke of half-time, but it was the Adam Doueihi show in the first half.
2.20pm: Luai gives Galvin a piece of his mind
Jarome Luai took his chance to gave it to Lachlan Galvin after the Bulldogs halfback reacted following a strong fend by the Tigers star.
Galvin's over-reaction on the ground resulted in a penalty to the Tigers that got them some much-needed momentum.
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Sydney Morning Herald
9 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I think we should do it': AFLW captains push for Origin series in quest for more games, viewers
Molloy wants more footy and more chances to put the game's elite players in the spotlight, and has long wanted the All-Australian side to play together each year. 'I'm lucky to have a couple of All-Australian blazers and I think to myself, God, I'd love to see this team play,' Molloy said. 'I don't know where we play or who we play against, but I always thought to myself that it would be intriguing. 'We've seen so many exciting formats in the men's game, we've seen Origin in the past [in AFLW] and I'd love it. I'd absolutely love it. 'Any way we can showcase talent and put them all together – I'd love to see it in any format.' Some captains also expressed interest in an Australia v Ireland series between AFLW and Gaelic football stars, given the influx of Irish talent. But whatever the format, it must be a good product. 'We need to make sure it is something people want to watch and really build it up,' Crows captain Sarah Allan said. The teams If State of Origin were to return, Molloy believed the teams should be decided based on where a player's club is located, not where they were raised. But there is still strong state allegiance from those who would don an Allies jumper. Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher was already picking her WA side mid-interview – Ebony Antonio and Emma Swanson were among her selections – and hatching a plan to claim Chelsea Randall from South Australia's clutches. 'It would be great to get the old gang back together of people we used to play against in the WAFL,' Schleicher said. 'There is that state pride, there is nothing like putting your own colours on. But whatever it looks like, I'll put my hand up.' Carlton captain Abbie McKay said she would jump at the chance to play for Victoria or Australia. 'It would be awesome,' McKay said. 'I played one year for Vic Metro [at under-18 level] and it would be an honour to do it again.' Queensland could also field a strong side considering Brisbane Lions are a perennial contender and the Gold Coast are producing a host of talented players. 'There is that much talent that Queensland could have our own team – I'd probably say Queensland, South Australia and Victoria could all give it a red-hot crack,' Hawthorn captain Emily Bates said. The standard The AFLW played a State of Origin game in September 2017, when a Debbie Lee-coached Victoria thumped the Allies by 97 points at Marvel Stadium. Daisy Pearce, Ellie Blackburn and Jasmine Garner were among the stars for the Vics. Schleicher was adamant such a result wouldn't be repeated. 'Hey, hey, hey, you are talking to a WA girl here – of course not,' Schleicher exclaimed. Bates was a part of the Allies team in 2017. 'We got absolutely pumped, so that wasn't a great memory,' she recalled. 'But I think it would be great for the game and showcase the best talent available, I'm keen to see it happen again.' Richmond captain Katie Brennan was also on that Allies side and said the talent is far better than in 2017. 'The talent from all the different states is extraordinary now,' Bates said. 'I'm a Queenslander, born and bred, and that talent pathway has gone from strength to strength. There would be more competitive balance out there and it would be an awesome sight to see.' Molloy was more pragmatic about the format. 'The under-18s is where we display our state talent. I would take a more holistic view and have the Allies playing Victoria as Victoria is like the footy capital,' she said. The timing The league's continued expansion is written into the CBA – with the current 18-team competition only playing for 12 rounds plus finals. While Origin would be a way to get more games in the calendar, the same issues that plague discussions of the return of the competition for the men's game would be problematic for the women. Playing a series on the eve of the season could see star players injured ahead of their club campaigns; playing at the end or in the off-season would interrupt their breaks. Playing representative football in the middle of the regular season – for example, making the game a showcase event on AFL grand final day or eve – is also likely to be unpopular with clubs. 'The only trouble [in 2017] was the injuries that came from the game, so that would be a risk. But I think we should do it,' Bates said. 'Timing is tricky. Girls often travel in the off-season and whatnot, I think the perfect time would be straight after the season when you still have your match fitness.' Molloy ruled out a mid-season Origin. 'I don't think fixturing it during the season is appropriate. We want to win the premiership, every team wants to win the premiership, so you don't want to take away from that journey.'
The Age
9 minutes ago
- The Age
‘I think we should do it': AFLW captains push for Origin series in quest for more games, viewers
Molloy wants more footy and more chances to put the game's elite players in the spotlight, and has long wanted the All-Australian side to play together each year. 'I'm lucky to have a couple of All-Australian blazers and I think to myself, God, I'd love to see this team play,' Molloy said. 'I don't know where we play or who we play against, but I always thought to myself that it would be intriguing. 'We've seen so many exciting formats in the men's game, we've seen Origin in the past [in AFLW] and I'd love it. I'd absolutely love it. 'Any way we can showcase talent and put them all together – I'd love to see it in any format.' Some captains also expressed interest in an Australia v Ireland series between AFLW and Gaelic football stars, given the influx of Irish talent. But whatever the format, it must be a good product. 'We need to make sure it is something people want to watch and really build it up,' Crows captain Sarah Allan said. The teams If State of Origin were to return, Molloy believed the teams should be decided based on where a player's club is located, not where they were raised. But there is still strong state allegiance from those who would don an Allies jumper. Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher was already picking her WA side mid-interview – Ebony Antonio and Emma Swanson were among her selections – and hatching a plan to claim Chelsea Randall from South Australia's clutches. 'It would be great to get the old gang back together of people we used to play against in the WAFL,' Schleicher said. 'There is that state pride, there is nothing like putting your own colours on. But whatever it looks like, I'll put my hand up.' Carlton captain Abbie McKay said she would jump at the chance to play for Victoria or Australia. 'It would be awesome,' McKay said. 'I played one year for Vic Metro [at under-18 level] and it would be an honour to do it again.' Queensland could also field a strong side considering Brisbane Lions are a perennial contender and the Gold Coast are producing a host of talented players. 'There is that much talent that Queensland could have our own team – I'd probably say Queensland, South Australia and Victoria could all give it a red-hot crack,' Hawthorn captain Emily Bates said. The standard The AFLW played a State of Origin game in September 2017, when a Debbie Lee-coached Victoria thumped the Allies by 97 points at Marvel Stadium. Daisy Pearce, Ellie Blackburn and Jasmine Garner were among the stars for the Vics. Schleicher was adamant such a result wouldn't be repeated. 'Hey, hey, hey, you are talking to a WA girl here – of course not,' Schleicher exclaimed. Bates was a part of the Allies team in 2017. 'We got absolutely pumped, so that wasn't a great memory,' she recalled. 'But I think it would be great for the game and showcase the best talent available, I'm keen to see it happen again.' Richmond captain Katie Brennan was also on that Allies side and said the talent is far better than in 2017. 'The talent from all the different states is extraordinary now,' Bates said. 'I'm a Queenslander, born and bred, and that talent pathway has gone from strength to strength. There would be more competitive balance out there and it would be an awesome sight to see.' Molloy was more pragmatic about the format. 'The under-18s is where we display our state talent. I would take a more holistic view and have the Allies playing Victoria as Victoria is like the footy capital,' she said. The timing The league's continued expansion is written into the CBA – with the current 18-team competition only playing for 12 rounds plus finals. While Origin would be a way to get more games in the calendar, the same issues that plague discussions of the return of the competition for the men's game would be problematic for the women. Playing a series on the eve of the season could see star players injured ahead of their club campaigns; playing at the end or in the off-season would interrupt their breaks. Playing representative football in the middle of the regular season – for example, making the game a showcase event on AFL grand final day or eve – is also likely to be unpopular with clubs. 'The only trouble [in 2017] was the injuries that came from the game, so that would be a risk. But I think we should do it,' Bates said. 'Timing is tricky. Girls often travel in the off-season and whatnot, I think the perfect time would be straight after the season when you still have your match fitness.' Molloy ruled out a mid-season Origin. 'I don't think fixturing it during the season is appropriate. We want to win the premiership, every team wants to win the premiership, so you don't want to take away from that journey.'
The Advertiser
9 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Knights opt for new set of halves against Panthers side on eight-game winning run
JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come. JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come. JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come. JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come.
