The nib Newcastle Knights have gone down 48-12 to the Penrith Panthers on Friday night at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The reigning premiers proved too strong in wet conditions running in nine tries to the Knights two.
Newcastle will look to finish the year strong heading into the final month of the 2025 season.
How it played out:
The match kicked off in front of 20,197 Members and supporters for Indigenous Round at the home of the Knights.
The two sides entered the field of play to a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country on Awabakal land.
Penrith would prove too strong in the first half, dominating field position and the scoreboard.
The visitors opened the scoring in the second minute through Lindsay Smith before finding another try in the fifth minute.
The Panthers would post another three before the break as the Knights trailed 26-0 at the change of ends.
Casey McLean extended the Panthers lead early in the second half with a four-pointer.
Mat Croker showcased his trademark grit to win the race for a rolling ball in the in-goal to score the Knights first of the night in the 52nd minute.
Newcastle had another try in succession when Jermaine McEwen crossed over the stripe.
Brilliant work from Dane Gagai and Bradman Best, set up the forward to run through untouched.
However, the Panthers would post another three tries to confirm the result for the away team.
