Dylan Lucas hat-trick in Bathurst is helping Knights ship premiers to the ground of the ladder

Dylan Lucas’ hat-trick has powered Newcastle to an important 25-6 defeat of four-time reigning premiers Penrith, who slumped again to the ground of the NRL ladder in Bathurst.

As accidents and State of Origin absences depleted either side, Lucas confirmed his credentials as a long run NSW participant, serving to the suffering Knights ease force on trainer Adam O’Brien with an advanced attacking efficiency.

Fletcher Sharpe excelled, changing Queensland’s Kalyn Ponga at fullback, scoring the Knights’ first take a look at at shut vary to cause a 24-0 first-half skirmish.

Sharpe completed with a staggering 18 take on busts and 4 line breaks to head with a game-high 272 metres and used to be the Knights’ best possible in a extra even moment 1/2 on Saturday night time.

Penrith’s 5 Origin absences however, O’Brien will have discovered the strategy to his long-running halves drawback as five-eighth Tyson Gamble laid on all 3 of Lucas’ tries.

Two got here from stunning flat balls in back-to-back units earlier than Gamble put boot to ball and helped the second-rower make it a four-score sport after 25 mins.

Lucas may’ve had a fourth take a look at within the shadows of halftime had he now not spilt the ball over the tryline with Daine Laurie overlaying in defence.

Adam Elliott tore a bicep within the first 1/2 as the one bitter notice for Newcastle.

The loss laid naked the mighty process forward of the Panthers to salvage an already dire marketing campaign within the always-testing Origin duration.

The Panthers mercifully have byes earlier than the general two Origin video games however would possibly want to relaxation gamers after Origin II given a commute to Auckland 3 days later.

Goal-line defence used to be once more a big factor for Penrith within the first 1/2, with back-up halfback Brad Schneider focused via Lucas forward of his first two tries.

The Panthers are actually one level adrift on the backside of the ladder and may lose prop Liam Henry to suspension for a crusher take on on Sharpe.

Henry went to the sin bin for the shot within the first 1/2, striking the Knights in place for his or her fourth take a look at.

Highly-touted ahead Harrison Hassett reduce thru for a take a look at on debut in the second one 1/2.

But that used to be excellent as issues were given for Penrith as former Panther Jack Cogger put the cherry on best with a box purpose because the remaining 5 mins approached.

Newcastle debutant Paul Bryan dislocated his shoulder in his first minute however performed on after having it popped again in.

© AAP