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Panthers v Bulldogs: Origin guns return; Fab four on song
Winning in Auckland without their five Origin stars may well prove to be the pivotal moment in the Panthers' season.
That victory has lifted the defending champs to eighth spot ahead of Thursday's blockbuster against the Bulldogs before a Round 18 bye and then a five-game stretch against sides below them on the ladder (Eels, Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers, Titans, Knights).
Sitting pretty in top spot are the Bulldogs, fresh off a bye and ready to set sail for their first minor premiership since 2012, when they went on to make the grand final before going down to the Storm.
The addition of Lachlan Galvin has added another dimension to the Bulldogs' attack and they boast an array of attacking options set to test out a Panthers defence that has leaked 22 points per game in 2025 compared to 15 points per game last season on their way to a fourth straight title.
Match: Panthers v Bulldogs
Round 17 -
home Team
Panthers
5th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Panthers: Luke Garner will start and Isaiah Papalii goes to the bench in a late switch an hour before kick-off. Halfback Nathan Cleary (groin) is good to go as are Penrith's other four Origin reps. Liam Martin starts in the back row after Scott Sorensen's suspension. Paul Alamoti is 18th man.
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are 1-17 with no late changes. Stephen Crichton, Max King, Kurt Mann and Matt Burton are all back after missing the win over Souths on Blues duty. Jacob Kiraz slides to the wing, Lachlan Galvin reverts to the bench while Kurt Morrin goes to 18th man. Blake Taaffe, Jake Turpin and Blake Wilson drop out.
Match: Panthers v Bulldogs
Round 17 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 17 Luke Garner2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Bailey Hayward
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'iInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Brad SchneiderInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Liam HenryInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Luron PateaInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lachlan Galvin
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Paul AlamotiReplacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Kurtis Morrin
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their past seven games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Panthers forward Luke Garner has scored seven tries in his past eight games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have won only one of their past four games at CommBank Stadium.
- Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has scored eight tries in his past six games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
