NRL Thursday: Panthers v Knights betting tips, prediction & odds, round 7, 2021

Read on for our Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith, on Thursday, April 22.

The Panthers are sitting on top of the ladder and undefeated after six rounds, though they did a scare in their most recent outing against the lowly Broncos in Brisbane last Thursday before winning 20-12 in Brisbane.

They will go in as red-hot favourites against the Knights, who are 3-3 after a last-gasp win against the Sharks last weekend when an ailing Kalyn Ponga dragged them over the line.

Bookies have made the Panthers as short as $1.12 to extend their start to the season to 7-0, with the line set at 16.5 points.

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This a crucial match for the Knights. While it might be a bit much for them to win what is now the toughest assignment in the NRL, to play Penrith in Penrith, a thrashing could send their season into a death spiral.

The Panthers and Knights played an enthralling 14-14 draw in their only meeting in 2020 but that is a rare bright spot in their recent history against the Panthers. Penrith have won seven of the past nine meetings between these teams, with one win to the Knights in 2018 and that draw.

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Panthers v Knights team news for round 7

Penrith will have to make at least one change, with centre Paul Momirovski banned for three matches at the judiciary on Tuesday night for his hit on Broncos halfback Tom Dearden.

But the Panther have named ace fullback Dylan Edwards (hand) and hooker Api Koroisau (wrist) among their reserves, and Edwards could make an earlier return, allowing stand-in fullback Stephen Crichton to return to his preferred centre position.

Newcastle have named Starford To’a on the wing to replace the injured Hymel Hunt (hamstring). They have some troops ready to return in the next few weeks in Phoenix Crossland (knee), utility Tex Hoy (hamstring) and winger Edrick Lee.

Read on for our Panthers v Knights tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Thursday, April 22.

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Panthers v Knights

Kick-off: 7.50pm local time
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Head to head odds: Penrith $1.12, Newcastle $6.25
Line betting: Penrith (-16.5 points) $1.90, Newcastle (+16.5 points) $1.90
Match total: 40.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90

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Panthers v Knights free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free Penrith-Newcastle tips for Thursday night’s game.

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Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights prediction 22-4-2021

The Panthers were less than impressive against the lowly Broncos last week but stepped it up a gear when they needed to late. They are also on home turf for this one and look to have a distinct edge in the halves, with Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai the stand-out pairing the NRL so far this season. We are reluctant to play with the -16.5 point line as the Knights are a dangerous side, and Penrith also sometimes do just enough to get the points. They say every win brings you closer to a loss but we think Penrith can keep alive their winning streak for at least another week here. Our Panthers v Knights prediction: Panthers by 12 points.

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