Newcastle’s remarkable rise from wooden spooners to preliminary finalists has captured the imagination of rugby league fans, but their toughest challenge yet awaits against the battle-tested Panthers. Penrith are chasing a fifth Grand Final appearance in six seasons and enter the clash refreshed after a week off, while the Knights arrive full of confidence after consecutive finals upsets. With Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga leading their respective sides, Sunday’s showdown has all the ingredients of a September classic.
Read Full Previews
- Dolphins vs Roosters → dolphins-vs-roosters-preliminary-final-preview-2026
- Panthers vs Knights → panthers-vs-knights-preliminary-final-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Sunday, 27 September 2026 – 4:00pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney
📺 Nine Network / Nine Now / Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Gerard Sutton | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Penrith Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Thomas Jenkins, 3. Blaize Talagi, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jack Cole, 7. Nathan Cleary (c), 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Jack Cogger, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Billy Phillips, 18. Luke Garner, 19. Billy Scott, 20. Luron Patea, 21. Freddy Lussick, 22. Izack Tago
Newcastle Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga (c), 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Fletcher Sharpe, 7. Sandon Smith, 8. Tyson Frizell, 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Cody Hopwood, 11. Jermaine McEwen, 12. Francis Manuleleua, 13. Mat Croker, 14. Harrison Graham, 15. Lachlan Crouch, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Dylan Lucas, 18. Fletcher Hunt, 19. Thomas Cant, 20. Kyle McCarthy, 21. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, 22. Toby Winter
Match Preview
The Panthers will be raring to go after a gritty 19–12 victory over the Roosters, a result that booked their place in the preliminary final and earned them a well-deserved week off. Penrith have been in red-hot form throughout the back end of the season, and they’ll enter this clash full of confidence as they look to continue their dominant finals record and reach their fifth Grand Final in the past six seasons.
Meanwhile, this Knights side is something else. From wooden spooners to their first preliminary final since 2013, Newcastle have defied expectations at every turn, with their remarkable run continuing after a stunning 12–10 victory over the Warriors in New Zealand.
It has been a monumental year for Justin Holbrook’s men, who have completely turned their fortunes around and now find themselves just 80 minutes away from a Grand Final. Holbrook looks poised to claim the Dally M Coach of the Year award, and after the remarkable transformation of this Knights side, it’s easy to see why.
The Knights have had to take the hard road through the finals bracket, but once again, the pressure will be on this purring Penrith side. The Panthers are no strangers to these high-pressure situations, having been here on multiple occasions, but they cannot afford to underestimate the attacking spark of this Knights outfit.
The Knights in shining armour will ride into battle once again, with Holbrook making no changes to his squad after the win over the Warriors last week.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have named Nathan Cleary despite suffering a foot injury against the Roosters. Blaize Talagi retains his spot in the centres. Jack Cogger is named on the bench as he returns from a suspension, alongside Luke Garner. Jesse McLean and Freddy Lussick are dropped from the side, and Lindsay Smith shuffles back to the front row with Isaah Yeo starting at 13.
Two of the best fullbacks in the NRL will no doubt light up Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they look to take their team to the 2026 NRL Grand Final.
Kalyn Ponga is one of the most prolific fullbacks the game has seen and from his early days in Cowboys colours, everyone knew he was going to be something special. Now fast forward a decade later and he has taken the Newcastle Knights to their first preliminary final against the purring Penrith Panthers and is only 80 minutes away from taking them to their first Grand Final since 2001.
Ponga’s flashy footwork, which leaves defenders clutching at thin air as he brushes past them, is simply immaculate to watch. But that’s not all the Newcastle captain possesses. His tackle-breaking ability, rapid acceleration into open space and, most importantly, the way he fires up his teammates regardless of the situation, all highlight just how important his leadership has been.
Ponga’s influence extends far beyond his footballing ability. He leads by example on the field, lifts those around him when they need it most, and has clearly built a strong bond with his teammates. He isn’t just a star player for the Knights — he’s a mate, a leader, and a huge part of what makes this Newcastle team tick.
The opposing number one is Dylan Edwards. Words can’t describe just how much of a workhorse the Panthers fullback is. His motivation to simply keep going is something every NRL club would love to have, with his never-say-die attitude and ability to consistently show up when it matters most making him one of the competition’s most reliable players.
Edwards is arguably the best defensive fullback in the world, and some of the plays he produced against the Roosters in week 1 of the finals showcased exactly why. His eyes-up awareness and ability to read an opposition attack allow him to pull off some incredible try-saving tackles, adding another layer to an already outstanding game.
On the attacking front, Edwards’ incredible work rate is a major reason why he is rated so highly as a fullback. He consistently racks up huge numbers in run metres, carries, and kick return metres, while his toughness is something that has become synonymous with his game. After famously battling through the 2021 finals series with a broken foot, it feels like this bloke would play on without an arm and a leg if he had to!
With Newcastle’s fairytale run showing no signs of slowing down, and Penrith chasing yet another Grand Final appearance, you do not want to miss this one on Sunday afternoon!
History isn’t on the Knights’ side when it comes to this clash, with Newcastle having won just one of their last 10 meetings against the Panthers. However, anything can happen in September, and we’ve seen plenty of crazy moments unfold during finals series over the years. If the Knights can continue their fairytale run, they’ll have the perfect opportunity to rewrite the history books and pull off another finals upset.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Panthers by 1.
Preliminary Final tips → /nrl-preliminary-finals-tips-predictions-2026/
Bold call: The Knights to push the minor premiers all the way but fall short in Golden Point.
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Related
- Full Prelim Finals coverage → /nrl/2026-season/prelim-finals/
- NRL Prelim Finals Team Lists → /nrl-team-lists-preliminary-finals-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
- NRL Semi-Finals Review → /nrl-semi-final-review-result-2026/
