Newcastle

Raheem Sterling's 13th league goal of the season secured the result for Pep Guardiola's side and sent them 15 points clear of Manchester United at the top.

The only negative for the visitors was the loss of captain Vincent Kompany to injury early in the first half, the centre-back going off with a suspected calf problem.

The slender scoreline belied what was one of City's most comfortable victories of an astounding campaign, with Newcastle offering almost no resistance despite having lost their previous four league matches at home.

After an uninspiring first half at Hunter Stadium on Sunday, the Panthers and the Knights were locked at 6-6 at the break.

But Penrith dominated the second stanza, leaving the Knights to extend their club record losing streak to 15 games.

It also puts Newcastle into the top 10 on the all-time longest losing streak list.

The Knights enjoyed 60 per cent of the possession in the first half, but despite repeated opportunities they could not crack the Panthers' line.

Saifiti was cited for a grade one dangerous contact for a tackle on Dragons' forward Tyson Frizell, but will not miss any matches if he pleads guilty. 

Jackson was slapped with a grade one dangerous thrown on Tevita Pangai, but will be free to play against the Roosters next week if he takes the early plea.

The Knights have a bye in Round 15, and with class players Peter and Chanel Mata'utia, Robbie Rochow, Jacob Saifiti and Korbin Sims all expected to be available for their Round 16 match against the Dragons, Brown says he will set targets once reinforcements return.

"We will tough through next week where we will have the Warriors at home," Brown said post-game.

"The boys will have a fair week of recovery this week and we'd like to put in a good one at home. All our performances at home have been really good apart from the Cronulla one.

Hayne quit the NFL on Monday in a bid to play rugby union sevens at the Rio Olympics later this year.

Speculation is rife he will return to rugby league next year, after leaving in 2014 to pursue his American dream.

Sydney Roosters, who are around $600,000 under this year's salary cap - money that could be used a sign-on fee for Hayne - remain the favourites to snare the former Parramatta superstar.