The Panthers grinded to a 26-18 win in a quality contest in Newcastle, as the Knights put it up to the competition heavyweights with a promising surge that ultimately yielded nothing more than a moral victory.

It was the experience and energy of Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards that got Penrith over the line, while Jackson Hastings did his best to motivate a young Knights outfit.

They are certainties to be named later on Sunday in Michael Maguire’s reshaped team for Origin II – Luai to survive the call for new halves and Edwards to reclaim the fullback jersey he relinquished to James Tedesco when a thigh injury ruled him out of what would have been his NSW debut.

Penrith were a little slow out of the blocks, as rookie Fletcher Sharpe wasted no time for the game to come to him.

Sharpe bolted through the Panthers left edge in just his second NRL game, to open the score and gift Newcastle fans with hope early.

Yet, as the Panthers have done best over the last three seasons, they remained calm and stuck to their process.

Adam O’Brien didn’t mince his words post game, letting Michael Maguire know Bradman Best was be a pick in his Blues side.

“He was dangerous all night (Bradman). He doesn’t have to do anymore, surely,” O’Brien said.

“I think he’ll be there.”

Captain Tyson Frizell said the tough performance was an encouraging sign for the side.

“We don’t want to be content coming away with losses,” Frizell said.

“We wanted a response in the second half and I thought we did that.”

Ring-in halfback Brad Schneider started pulling the strings – as Scott Sorensen contested a sixth-play kick, taking possession of the ball, which illustrated his athleticism and versatility as a backrower.

Penrith went on for a quick one-two, finding Brian To’o in space, who made no mistake in finding the try-line after a classy cut-out from Schneider.

It was then Luai’s time to turn it up – the No.6 had all the time in the world, slicing through Newcastle’s right side defence before setting up Lindsay Smith with a nifty short-ball.

While Penrith went in with a 20-6 lead, leaving Adam O’Brien hot under the collar, what transpired in the second was all thanks to Hastings.

He has been under big criticism in 2024, not only as the Knights’ No.7, but as a genuine halfback at NRL level.

The former Rooster put Dylan Lucas through a hole in the 52nd minute and placed a perfect chip for Bradman Best just five minutes later.

With a quarter to go, Penrith were only just holding on by two points.

Edwards rallied with his usual non-stop running metres – but it was his support play that made the difference. He linked up with underrated prop Moses Leota to score under the posts, giving Penrith breathing space and momentum.

The second stint of James Fisher-Harris and Sorensen brought power and structure back to the away side’s set – as it seemed Newcastle peaked on their comeback run.

With 10 minutes to go, the Penrith pack took control of the game, slowing down the ruck and keeping Newcastle within their own half.

Coach Cleary backs his spine for Blues honours

Ivan Cleary was endorsing of his fullback and halfback to represent NSW in game two at the post match press conference.

“Attack, defence, kicking game, it takes a lot of courage to bounce back after a bad start. He has stepped up,” Cleary said on Luai.

“His form seems to get better every week, his confidence is high.”

Luai and Edwards a lock for game two

I myself slandered Jarome Luai for a sub-par Origin performance. He was everything he needed to be on Sunday afternoon against Newcastle to stamp authority as the Blues’ No.6.

Luai scored a try, had an assist and broke three tackles in attack, proving a handful the entire 80.

The high-energy five-eighth did miss three tackles from the eight he made – yet his kicking performance clearly made up for it.

He forced four drop outs and kicked for 358 metres, something which will be needed next Wednesday.

Edwards on the other hand started quietly, but built into the game which is his best strength.

The No.1 had a mammoth 278 running metres in 28 carries – wow.

He also broke nine tackles, keeping Penrith calm at the back and popping up when required.

Best’s best enough for Blue?

Bradman Best got Newcastle on the front foot in the second half off his powerful carries and big frame – but will his form be rewarded with NSW honours?

The 22-year-old had 146 running metres and charged through Penrith’s left edge on multiple occasions.

Adam O’Brien sung Bests’ praises after the game, saying he couldn’t do anything more to play in Melbourne next Wednesday.

Although, the No. 4 did miss four tackles, but was strong in goal-line defence as Penrith only managed to penetrate the Knights right side.

Best starred for NSW in the last year’s dead rubber, scoring two tries on debut in a 24-10 win.