Panthers outlast Knights to close gap on Storm

Defending premiers Penrith have closed to within two points of the Storm at the top of the table after a tense 22-14 win over the Knights at BlueBet Stadium.

With big guns Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o showing the way, the Panthers held off a gutsy Knights outfit who overcame the loss of Jacob Saifiti in the warm-up to push the champions all the way.

The Knights made a statement of intent seven minutes in when prop Daniel Saifiti stormed over from close range before the Panthers settled and hit back through Casey McLean after slick lead-up from Matt Eisenhuth, Cleary and Luai.

With 14 minutes remaining in the half the Panthers produced a long range try down the right edge finished off by Izack Tago, who put To'o into space and then backed up to take the return pass. Cleary's conversion made it 12-6 to Penrith.

Just eight minutes later the premiers looked to have a third try when Cleary grubbered early in the count and the ball sat up for perfectly Tago but the bunker ruled he had lost control as he attempted to ground the ball.

A penalty against Jack Hetherington for a high tackle in the final minute of the half gave Cleary an easy shot at goal and the Panthers took a 14-6 lead to the break.

The sides traded sets for the opening 12 minutes of the second half before a penalty against Cleary for a slow peel put the Knights in good field position and they capitalised through Tyson Frizell in the 57th minute to close within two.

A penalty against Tago for a high shot on Kalyn Ponga in the 64th minute was followed by a penalty against Yeo for a dangerous tackle and the Knights drew level at 14-14.

Just as the Knights were coming to get them it was Cleary who owned the moment with a powerful surge from close range to beat Ponga and Jayden Brailey and it was 20-14 to the Panthers.

With 90 seconds to play Cleary took the line on again and was tackled high by Tom Cant, the ensuing penalty goal sealing the 22-14 victory.