NRL Sunday: Penrith v Newcastle, predictions & odds, round 3, 2020

Penrith enter this NRL clash of two unbeaten teams without key playmaker Nathan Cleary, suspended for two matches for breaching COVID-19 protocols.

That could make it so difficult against the well-organised Knights, who have former Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce pulling the strings. Though to be fair, the Knights are missing budding superstar Kalyn Ponga through suspension themselves. In Ponga’s place at fullback comes his housemate, the wonderfully named Tex Hoy, to make his NRL debut.

This should be a fascinating clash as both teams were in good nick before the NRL coronavirus shutdown. Penrith’s early two wins included one over defending premiers Sydney Roosters so probably carry more weight than the Knights’ opening wins against Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors.

The second match being played on Sunday, May 31, is the Manly Sea Eagles taking on the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Central Coast Stadium at 6.30pm local time.

The NRL returned to action on Thursday night, with Parramatta thrashing a dismal Brisbane Broncos in the first game back after the COVID-19 shutdown.

Read on for our best bets and winner prediction for the Panthers-Knights clash in Sydney on Sunday, May 31.

Panthers v Knights odds

Kick-off: 4.05pm local time
Venue: Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney
Head to head odds: Penrith $1.70, Newcastle $2.15
Line betting: Penrith (-2.5 points) $1.90, Newcastle (+2.5 points) $1.90
Match total: 44.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90

Panthers v Knights free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for the Panthers v Knights clash.

Penrith -2.5 points at $1.90

With no real home advantage to either side, the line has been set relatively conservatively. Penrith can be slow starters and they would not want to fall into that trap against a side that can score quickly like the Knights. We think they will be a little too strong here and can cover the line. Take the $1.90 with leading bookmaker Unibet.

Newcastle/Penrith halftime/fulltime double

The option for Newcastle to lead at half-time but Penrith to win the match is at odds of $6.75 with Unibet. We think it’s a good value bet as Newcastle have proven fast starters and Penrith slow starters but with a big finish. We are happy to bet on this scenario playing out for the Panthers again.

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights prediction

These are two teams boasting a mountain of young talent, plus some real power among the forwards. Penrith get real grunt from the likes of props James Tamou and James Fisher-Harris, so Newcastle firebrand David Klemmer will have to lead the way for the younger Newcastle pack. Penrith just look a little too settled and experienced across the board and should be able to get over the line in this one even with Cleary.

Panthers v Knights lowdown

 

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