Panthers on alert for resurgent Knights

Mar 23, 2017 - 5:59 AM Penrith are on high-alert for Newcastle but not because they'll go into Friday's NRL clash without star back-rower Bryce Cartwright.

Coach Anthony Griffin has confirmed his side will again be without Cartwright when they take on the Knights at Pepper Stadium because of his troublesome ankle.

But aside from missing their strike weapon for the second week in a row, Friday's clash shapes as a real risk for the highly-fancied Panthers who are 1-2.

While they lost few fans in last week's heart-breaking loss to the Sydney Roosters, conceding to the Knights would see them clinging to a single opening month win ahead of a tough trip to Melbourne.

Griffin described Friday's clash as a danger game and tipped his hat to rival Nathan Brown and his efforts in turning last year's wooden spooners around.

"I think their three performances have been strong, they came from behind and nearly beat the Warriors and they handled the Titans and there was nothing in that game against Souths," Griffin said.

"They've been very consistent, very strong, very competitive. Their attack is very well structured."

While the Knights struggled with just one win last year, they look a different side this season.

They are averaging five line breaks a game (third most this year), according to Fox Sports Stats.

They have also scored 24.7 points per match (also third). At the same point last year, they were scoring just 14 points a game.

Despite Cartwright being named earlier in the week, Griffin confirmed the 22-year-old had failed in his bid to be cleared, stretching his side's stocks.

James Fisher-Harris, who replaced Cartwright against the Sydney Roosters last week, is also out after suffering a fractured cheekbone.

Cartwright is now expected back for the following week's blockbuster against Melbourne.

Bench forward Sitaleki Akauola will replace Cartwright, ensuring the Panthers left edge will receive a work-out from the Knights.

Asked if they had any weak links in their chain, following the loss of Cartwright and Fisher-Harris, Griffin said: "I thought last week, apart from that little period before half-time, our defence was pretty solid all game. I don't see that being an issue."

The Knights are still sweating on fullback Brendan Elliot's recovery from concussion.

STATS THAT MATTER

* The Panthers' worst home record is against the Knights, winning just seven of 22 matches against them.

* After going down to the Rabbitohs 24-18, Newcastle has now conceded at least 20 points in 21 straight matches, the longest streak in premiership history.

* Over the past 10 years, the Panthers have started 1-2 eight times.

Source: Fox Sports Stats

Source: AAP