Penrith 14-14 Newcastle: Panthers and Knights draw after golden point extra-time

Penrith and Newcastle were made to settle for a 14-14 draw at Campbelltown Stadium – even after 10 minutes of golden point extra-time. 

The Knights were dealt a blow in the first 10 minutes of the game as playmakers Mitchell Pearce (concussion) and Connor Watson (ankle) left the field and didn’t return to the action.

Penrith opened the scoring in the 18th minute as Fiji international Viliame Kikau bulldozed his way over from close range, with Stephen Crichton converting.

Ivan Cleary’s side extended their lead five minutes later as Kurt Capewell wrestled his way over the line. The Panthers were awarded an eight-point try after Newcastle winger Edrick Lee used his feet when trying to stop Capewell from going over. Crichton added both goals to put his side 14-0 ahead.

The spirited Knights fought back and reduced the deficit just before the break as Jacob Saifiti barged under the sticks. Debutant Tex Coy added the extras, but the Panthers were 14-6 to the good at half-time.

Adam O’Brien’s Newcastle side came back into the game on the hour as Bradman Best powered his way over out wide. Hoy failed to convert but the Knights were only 14-10 behind.

Best got his second after a fine piece of skill from Lee. Hoy’s conversion attempt was wide of the mark but the score was level at 14-14 after 68 minutes.

Both sides had opportunities for drop goals in the latter stages but none of them sailed through the uprights.

The game then went into golden point extra-time, with two five-minute halves being played. Several more attempts at drop goals were made by both sides but none were successful, so the Panthers and Knights were made to settle for a 14-14 draw after the 10 minutes of golden point extra-time.

Penrith: Aekins; Mansour, Whare, Crichton, To’o; Burton, Luai; Tamou, Koroisau, Fisher-Harris, Kikau, Capewell, Yeo. Subs: Tetevano, Leota, Kenny, Burns.

Tries: Kikau, Capewell Goals: Crichton 3/3

Newcastle: Hoy; Lee, Tuala, Best, Hunt; Mann, Pearce; Klemmer, Watson, D Saifiti, Mata’utia, Guerra, Glasby. Subs: Ese’ese, Randall, J Saifiti, Jones.

Tries: J Saifiti, Best (2) Goals: Hoy 1/3

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