Knights opt for new set of halves against Panthers side on eight-game winning run
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.
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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.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Turbo back at No.1 for Manly as Souths get boost
Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence.
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Get up': Cooper Cronk calls out Warriors player for unforgivable act
A New Zealand Warriors player has been called out for an act that may have cost his side victory against the Dolphins last Friday. The Warriors are fighting to hang on to a spot in the top four but are just one point ahead of the red hot Penrith Panthers after going down 20-18 in a last gasp defeat to the Dolphins in Auckland. The Warriors looked to be headed for victory late in the game when Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi was sent to the sin bin in the 73rd minute. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. But the Dolphins rallied with 12 players on the field when halfback Isaiya opted to go for the try, and the Phins went across field to set up Jamayne Isaako for the matchwinning try. Speaking on Fox League's Matty & Cronk show, Cooper Cronk said: 'To be down to 12 players, having to score a try with a minute on a clock, I'm like, 'What are you thinking?'' Matty Johns replied: 'I think it shows a lot of belief and the ability to operate under extreme pressure and get it done. Cronk added: 'I think they also got lucky a bit.' He was referencing the passage of play that led up to Isaako's try, when Warriors forward Leka Halasima lay down on the turf after chasing across field, allowing the Dolphins to get an overlap in attack. Watch the Warriors player lay down in the video above Lying on the turf, Halasima lifts his head up and appears to consider getting to his feet, before remaining slumped face-first on the ground. 'Down to 12 (players), the probability of them scoring … I like that they just threw the ball around because that's your best opportunity,' Cronk said. 'But there was a moment, Halasima. He goes down and he lay down on the ground. 'Here he is, the game is on the line, the Dolphins are down to 12 players. 'He puts in a really good effort to chase a player across the field and he's down there on the ground. You've got to get up. Unless you've got a broken leg, you've got to get up. 'Just a body in the (defensive) line might have stopped this (the matchwinning try). '(It's a) learning from the young kid. He might have copped a boot, I'm not sure what happened. But he's just got to get in the line.' Halasima scored a try earlier in the second half but the review session wouldn't have been too enjoyable for the 19-year-old. The Warriors are limping to the end of the home and away season, with injuries to halfback Luke Metcalf (ACL), James Fisher-Harris (calf), Wayde Egan (concussion), Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf) and Mitch Barnett (ACL). 'It's such a shame but the injuries at the moment have put the brakes on their season,' Johns said. The Dolphins are also battling their own injury woes after gun centre Herbie Farnworth went down with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for around a month. Cronk added: 'They've done a tremendous job, the Dolphins. To cover some of those forward injuries at different stages. 'Even when Herbie goes down, to keep fighting and get that victory. 'But they can't lose gifted athletes like that. That's their point of difference in attack. All of a sudden, there's a couple of tackle busts you're not going to get each game. 'Once you start coming up against better teams in the finals … For them, Herbie probably needs to come back for them to be a chance.' The Warriors take on the Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday night at Accor Stadium, while the Dolphins host the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a crucial clash between two teams on the cusp of the top eight. 'We assume the Sharks get seventh because of their run,' Cronk said. 'There's three teams vying for eighth spot and they're all playing each other (Manly, Roosters, Dolphins).'
