Newcastle stun Penrith 22-14 to reach the NRL Grand Final
Newcastle beat Penrith 22-14 in Sunday's NRL preliminary final, booking a place in the Grand Final in front of 57,102.
Newcastle are through to the NRL Grand Final after beating Penrith 22-14 in Sunday’s preliminary final, ending the Panthers’ season in front of 57,102 supporters.
The Knights opened the scoring through Manuleleua in the eighth minute, converted by Smith, before Penrith hit back with tries from Talagi (12) and Smith (39) to take a 14-8 lead into half-time. Newcastle regained control after the break: Young crossed in the 42nd minute, and Smith’s double — tries in the 59th and 80th minutes — sealed the win, with Smith also kicking three conversions.
Penrith’s points came from Talagi’s try and a penalty, plus Smith’s try, with Edwards and Talagi adding the conversions.
The result continues Newcastle’s remarkable finals run: the Knights beat South Sydney 20-10 in the first finals week and NZ Warriors 12-10 away in the semi-final to reach the decider.
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