Newcastle’s rise from spoon to prelim is remarkable. But the Panthers are the big winners

September 21, 2026 — 11:45am

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The winners of the Sunday smash-up in Auckland were undoubtedly Penrith, kicking back and watching next week’s opponents belt each other senseless.

Even though the Warriors were their own worst enemy in the 12-10 loss to the Knights, succumbing to the pressure of the Eden Park occasion and panicking their way to defeat, Newcastle’s rise from wooden spoon to preliminary final is fabulous.

Nobody gets juiced on underdoggery like the Knights. They are the envy of the Tigers, Dragons, Titans and Eels, who remain stuck in the cellar and who, if they’re smart, will study closely everything the Knights have done this year.

It’s difficult to manufacture team spirit, happiness and harmony without winning first, but under Justin Holbrook the Knights have produced the egg without needing the chicken.

Newcastle will be rank outsiders on Sunday – but they were rank outsiders in New Zealand, too.

Not that it was the reason the Warriors lost, but the non-penalty call on........

© Brisbane Times