The second NRL Preliminary Final this weekend heads to Sydney as the Panthers host the Knights. With just 2 games remaining in the 2026 NRL season, the rugby league action is as exhilarating as ever, and this game promises to be another epic contest. With a week off, the Panthers will be well prepared for what is ahead. Meanwhile, the Knights are continuing to prove everyone wrong and will relish another opportunity to cause an upset. Before You Bet is here to help make sense of the chaos with a comprehensive look at what is ahead in this match.
Panthers vs Knights Prediction & Tips: 2026 NRL Preliminary Final
Continuing to set the standard
The Panthers enjoyed a week off following a determined 19-12 victory against the Roosters. Against a resilient opponent, the Panthers had to overcome several setbacks, with unknown injuries to key players failing to slow them down; at the top of this list is Cleary and he slotted the game sealing field goal. Locked at 12-all at HT, the Panthers had 55% possession for the match. They were loose with their sets, completing at just 78%, which is uncharacteristic for them. For the match, they made 8.2m per carry and had 555 PCM’s. As usual, they generate strong momentum in the middle of the field, and this positively impacts other areas of the match. This will be a key focus for them again in this match.
Momentum is with the Knights
The Knights have captured consecutive road victories as the outsider to keep their 2026 title hopes alive. Last week, they travelled to New Zealand to face the Warriors and were at their spirited best. Despite having a lesser share of possession (49%) and an inferior completion rate (73%), they made 8.8m per carry and had 6 line breaks. Playing as the better team throughout the match, they overcome further adversity towards the end of the match with Ponga leaving the field. This will be another tough test for them too and their defence must improve; despite conceding just 2 tries, they missed 62 tackles and allowed 7 line breaks. A team like the Panthers will hold them accountable for a similar standard of execution.
Stats that matter
- These two sides have met just once this year, with the Panthers recording a commanding 44-12 road victory over the Knights in Round 8.
- The Panthers are without their traditional home ground but still win 52% of games at their adopted one. The Knights have a 48% record here.
- In the past 5 matches between these two sides, the Panthers have won 4. The average margin of victory in those matches is 20.6 points. There has been a mixture of high and low scoring games, seeing the average points scored sitting at 45.4 points.
- It is no surprise that the Panthers are the superior team on both sides of the ball in 2026. Their attack is slight better, scoring 28ppg to the Knights 26ppg. Defensively is where the major difference comes though, with the Panthers allowing just 14ppg to the Knights 23ppg.
Time for a reality check
The Knights have been strong in the post season, dominating opponents in effort areas to capture spirited victories. Without taking anything away from them, they will face a completely different challenge this weekend against a team who executes consistently well. Despite the doubts around the fitness of Cleary and Yeo, the Panthers play a relentless style which takes a lot to disrupt. The Knights can cause this, but doubts remain about their consistency in achieving this over 80 minutes. The relentless pressure needed is taxing; the Finals draw has been kind to their recovery and a 7-day turnaround ahead of this game provides a timely boost. The Panthers, well rested and prepared for this game, will come out firing.
The Knights will need to wrestle momentum away from their opponents and continue to dictate the terms of the match if they wish to be a chance. Then, a lot more must still have to go right for them. This is why the Panthers are overwhelming favourites. Barring a catastrophe to their playing squad, they should comfortably account for their opponents. The Knights will be in it for a long way but in the end, the Panthers should pull away and cover the line on offer given their average win margin of 21.7 points in 2026.
Panthers -10.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Panthers vs Knights Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 41.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = To’o to score – the left edge of the Knights was under relentless pressure last week against the Knights and it also looked vulnerable against the Rabbitohs. Scrambling well, they can cover this at times, but capable teams do not stop attacking that channel. Enter left winger Jenkins, who should benefit from the room to move more than anyone.
Leg 3 = McLean to score – getting back to his best, McLean has 3 tries from his past 4 games against the Knights. Playing confidently, he also has 4 tries in his past 3 NRL matches.
Panthers vs Knights Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Sunday 27th September
Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Time: 4:05pm (AEST)
Odds: Panthers $1.28 vs Knights $3.80
Line: -10.5
Points: 41.5
Where to Watch Panthers vs Knights
Watch the Panthers vs Knights match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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