A spirited performance from the nib Newcastle Knights ultimately wasn't enough, with the side defeated 26-18 by an impressive Penrith Panthers outfit in front of a sold out crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium.
After racing to a 6-0 lead thanks to a exhilarating try to rookie fullback Fletcher Sharpe, the Knights went into the sheds 14 points behind after a late blitz from the experienced Panthers attack.
Tries to Dylan Lucas and Bradman Best saw the Knights surge back into the contest, however ultimately the defending premiers proved too classy in the final quarter of the game.
The Knights will enjoy the bye next weekend, before returning home to McDonald Jones Stadium to face Parramatta in Round 17.
HOW IT PLAYED OUT:
3rd min - If he hadn't already done so last week, Fletcher Sharpe announced himself as a star of the future with an electric four-pointer, setting the sold-out home crowd alight early in the contest.
Fletcher Sharpe Try
13th min - Penrith hit back in somewhat fortuitous fashion, with Scott Sorenson latching onto a bomb to score the Panthers first, despite juggling the ball before crashing over.
18th min - Brian To'o crossed to put his side in front, completing a slick backline movement to score in the south eastern corner.
32nd min - In a potential sign of things to come for NSW supporters, Jarome Luai danced across the turf to score an impressive individual try and put the Panthers further in front.
38th min - Adding insult to injury on the stroke of half time, Lindsay Smith crossed for the Panthers, giving them a 14 point advantage at the change of ends.
52nd min - The Knights again started the better of the two sides, with Dylan Lucas charging into a hole to race away and get the Knights back in the contest.
Dylan Lucas Try
58th min - Bradman Best marked his return from injury with a crucial four pointer, putting the Knights within two points of the defending premiers.
Bradman Best Try
64th min - With the Knights surging home, the Panthers hit back with a crucial try against the run of play, with Dylan Edwards scoring after Moses Leota cut through the middle of the field.
