The Newcastle forward pack has reinforced its reputation as one of the NRL’s toughest, bashing Penrith’s playmakers out of the game in a 26-14 win at Hunter Stadium.

Two weeks after the Knights were criticised for their heavy treatment of North Queensland’s Johnathan Thurston, Newcastle hitmen Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and Joey Leilua ruthlessly targeted Panthers half-back Peter Wallace, hitting him late or as he passed the footy on five occasions.

Wallace may as well have run out with a target painted on his back and twice appeared hurt after being hit in the second half.

The Knights’ tactic of pressuring Wallace proved a masterstroke and was a key factor in them remaining the only unbeaten team in the competition after four rounds.

Wallace was lumped with most of the playmaking duties without Jamie Soward (knee) and hooker Jamie Segeyaro (concussion).

Soward’s stand-in Isaac John (quad) was also ruled out in the warm up.

The Panthers paid the price for a slow start, with the Knights jumping out to an 18-0 lead after 18 minutes.

Chris Houston – who was a late call up into the starting side after Robbie Rochow was ruled out in the warm up with back spasms – opened the scoring before the floodgates opened temporarily.

Adam Clydesdale and Tyrone Roberts then crossed three minutes apart to give the home side an 18-point buffer.

After looking half asleep in the opening quarter, the Panthers kicked into gear and crossed through Josh Mansour in the 24th minute.

Penrith full-back and New South Wales Origin hopeful Matt Moylan had an unhappy afternoon, dropping two Newcastle kicks on his own goal-line, the second of which led to Akuila Uate’s try.

The Panthers scored two late consolation tries through Moylan and Dean Whare.

AAP