FINAL TEAMS: Panthers vs Knights – Preliminary Finals, 2026

The Newcastle Knights defeated the Penrith Panthers 22-14 in the 2026 NRL Preliminary Finals at Accor Stadium. Newcastle overcame an early deficit to secure an eight-point victory, advancing past Penrith despite trailing 14-6 at halftime. Halfback Sandon Smith led the scoring for the Knights, crossing for two tries and converting three goals to finish with a match total of 14 points.

Additional Newcastle tries came from Francis Manuleleua and Dominic Young, despite Phoenix Crossland receiving a send-off in the 36th minute. Blaize Talagi and Lindsay Smith scored tries for Penrith, with Talagi contributing eight points from a try, conversion, and penalty goal alongside a conversion from Dylan Edwards.