NRL Tips – Panthers v Knights – Preliminary Final 2026

Penrith will be rubbing their hands with glee with last year’s wooden spooners Newcastle unlikely to offer any notable threat in a match the Panthers rarely give much up in.

Best Bet

Under 41.5

Total Points

Bet Now

$1.90

Penrith return to the preliminary final for the seventh straight season and are incredibly short to play in their sixth decider over that run.

While the line is big enough to create some pause, one thing looks all but certain: the Knights are going to struggle to score.

In the six previous preliminary finals, Penrith have conceded an average of 10ppg with no more than 16 in one game. That sets up well for the under.

In 13 of the last 16 preliminary finals there have been 44 or fewer points.

The under has hit in 18 of the last 31 clashes between the two teams.

The under is 16-7 when Penrith have rest of at least 11 days and 10-3 when the Panthers play a team outside the Top 4.

The under is 10-5 when Newcastle are off conceding 10 or fewer and 15-10 when they are off scoring 12 or fewer.

Points will be at a premium in this one.

Same Game Multi

Brian To's Try/Casey McLean Try/Dylan Edwards Try

Same Game Multi

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$11.00

Brian To’o loves playing the Knights with nine tries in nine clashes.

Casey McLean is an elite mover with 30 tries in 49 games and he will be marked by defensive liability Dane Gagai.

Dylan Edwards scored a hat-trick when he last met the Knights and now has six tries in 10 matches against them.

Value Bet

Liam Henry

To Score A Try

Bet Now

$8.50

Perth Bears-bound Blayney product Liam Henry is the ultimate trier, a hardworking forward capable of playing middle or edge who makes the most of his minutes by tackling with a devil’s disposition while running with ferocity. He does not score often but he is over the odds given how often he does score. He has four tries in 16 games this year and now has seven tries in his last 39. He crossed against Newcastle in Round 23 and can get over again.

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Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.