The nib Newcastle Knights will take to the field at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night for a special Indigenous Round clash against the reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers.
The side will wear their own unique Indigenous jersey for the occasion to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples and the immense contributions they make to the game of rugby league.
We've broken down everything so you can enjoy your gameday.
Match Preview
Teams
Match: Knights v Panthers
Round 23 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Panthers
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Knights is number 1 Dane GagaiFullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic YoungWinger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas Jenkins
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Fletcher HuntCentre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLean
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jake ArthurFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize Talagi
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jack CoggerHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch Kenny
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay Smith
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Jermaine McEwen2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Luke Garner
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Phoenix CrosslandLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaiah Papali'i
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Thomas CantInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Brad Schneider
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat CrokerInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Liam Henry
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Tyson FrizellInterchange for Panthers is number 16 Matthew Eisenhuth
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Elijah Salesa-LeaumoanaInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Scott Sorensen
Reserves
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Replacement for Knights is number 18 Tyson GambleReplacement for Panthers is number 18 Paul Alamoti
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Head-to-Head
Since: 1988
Knights: 25
Panthers: 29
Draws: 4
Key Match-Up
Greg Marzhew v Brian To'o: Two of the game's best metre-eaters from the back will go head-to-head on Friday night.
Marzhew has averaged 196 run metres for the season so far along with 74 tackle breaks.
He will face NSW representative in To'o who had two line-breaks and eight tackle breaks last round against the Titans.
Stat Attack
Knights hooker Jayden Brailey will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Tyson Frizell will play his 100th game for the Knights.
The Knights have not defeated the Panthers twice in a season since 2013.
Gameday Information
Date: Friday 8th August, 2025
Gates open: 4:30pm
NRL kick-off: 6:00pm
Tickets: Purchase here
Membership: Play your part
Merchandise: Show your colours
Match Day Sponsor: University of Newcastle
50/50 Charity Partner: NASCA
Pre-Game
Enjoy the pre-game hype out the front of the stadium in the Fan Zone or the pre-match entertainment including club content, player interviews and mini leagues.
You can also swing by Wests New Lambton to soak in the pre-game buzz alongside your fellow Knights supporters and support the club that supports the Knights!
Just a short 5-minute stroll from the stadium, Wests is the ideal pre-game experience all season long.
Fan Zone
The Fan Zone is back for 2025 with plenty of activations for members and supporters to enjoy pre kick-off.
- As part of Indigenous Round, we'll have a smoking ceremony for supporters
- Have some fun on the Red Energy Jumping Castle
- Get your face painted or collect a balloon animal
- Collect your Knights KYC thunderstick and a limited-edition NRL or NRLW Poster from our Membership team
- Book your next holiday with the team at Reflections Holidays
- Say hello to the team at McDonald Jones Homes
- Deck yourself out in Knights kit at the 'Black Knight' merch van
- Donate and go into the running to win a prize with the 50/50 charity raffle, with team wearing green around the grounds
- Say hello to the team at NewFM as they broadcast from outside the stadium
- Get your own painting done by caricaturist in the 2025 Indigenous Jersey
2025 Indigenous Round Jersey
The nib Newcastle Knights are proud to unveil their 2025 Indigenous Jersey - a striking design that represents connection, strength, and cultural identity, crafted by local Indigenous artist Renae Lamb.
Titled Nginhabulagu - meaning 'Belonging' in Wiradjuri language - the artwork is a tribute to the unity found in rugby league, and to the powerful role the Knights play in bringing together men, women, and youth through shared dreams and cultural pride.
Read more about the jersey's meaning here.
Knights Youth Co. Members
Download the Youth Co. Collectible Checklist here.
Not a member? The Knights Youth Co. Membership is completely FREE* and is a special pass to a whole lot of fun, goodies, merch, pop-ups, perks and activities across the season.
Half-Time
We'll have a special Indigenous Performance performed by the University of Newcastle, plus we'll have our very own kiss cam, brought to you by Newcastle Herald.
Venue
McDonald Jones Stadium, 294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292
Membership Support
The Knights Membership Team are available to assist with any issues on match day. The team are located outside the entrance to the Western grandstand at the Membership Box Office Window.
We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets prior to match day to avoid disappointment and queues.
50-50 Charity Raffle
The 50-50 Charity Raffle is a not-for-profit fundraising product operated by the 50-50 Foundation. It is the Foundation's aim to raise significant funds for charities and good causes by partnering with sporting clubs and teams, event owners and charity partners to host fundraising raffles.
50% of the prize pool raised at each fundraising raffle goes to one lucky ticket holder who is drawn at random during the event. The remaining 50% goes directly towards charitable purposes.
This week's Charity Partner - NASCA
Shuttle
Knights fans will have an easy time getting to Newcastle Knights home games thanks to free, dedicated bus services that will run to McDonald Jones Stadium during the 2025 season.
Free bus services for Knights fans will run at regular intervals from two hours prior to kick off from selected bus stops along the route. Return services will run for around an hour after full-time. Catch one of the five stadium shuttle services to get to Knights games at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2024.
Parking
Fans driving to the game are encouraged to plan to arrive early as parking on-site and in the area will be in high demand and traffic may be heavier than usual.
Parking on game days is available only for vehicles with a pre-paid parking ticket.
Disabled parking areas have been designated in close proximity to each of the McDonald Jones Stadium accessible entries.
To purchase mobility parking please phone Ticketmaster on 136 100 or visit the Ticketmaster box office at the Stadium.
Train
The closest station to McDonald Jones Stadium is Broadmeadow on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.
Trains run regularly to Broadmeadow on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line which is within walking distance of McDonald Jones Stadium.
Remember you'll need to use an Opal card or contactless payment method when travelling to and from the game on public transport. Register your details via the Opal website or app ahead of time.
Drop-off zones
If you wish to drop off a patron in the stadium's car park we do have a 10-minute loading zone. This can be accessed by entering either driveway off Turton Road.
Taxi
McDonald Jones Stadium taxi stand is located at Young Road, Broadmeadow. Taxis can be accessed after the event by following the signs to Young Road. For further information please contact Newcastle Taxis on 13 33 00.
Accommodation
Looking for somewhere to stay? Take advantage of accommodation at The Executive; one of the closest hotels to the stadium featuring kids stay free* all year round.
Only a 13-minute walk to the stadium! Call 02 4935 1100 to book or jump online to explore availability.
*T&Cs apply.
To watch
The NRL and NRLW matches will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
For overseas viewers, you can tune in via watchnrl.com
