The Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs will host the Penrith Panthers on Sunday afternoon at 4pm at ANZ Stadium. It will be 10th place on the ladder, Panthers vs 11th place Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will have three of their players return after representing NSW in State of Origin I on Wednesday (David Klemmer, Josh Jackson and Brett Morris).
The Panthers have named Matt Moylan to start at five-eighth and winger Josh Mansour will make a return after suffering an ACL injury last year.
LAST TIME OUT
The Bulldogs are coming off a one point loss last week after the Sharks were able to kick a field goal to secure the win in the 77th minute. With the Bulldogs having a 50% success rate at their home ground at ANZ Stadium they will be looking to turn around their luck after losing the past two games at the ground. Last week the Bulldogs were without three key players and with their return this week they will be up for the challenge.
The Panthers have had a week off and are coming off a bye. The week before in round 11 the Panthers had a strong victory 30-20 against the Newcastle Knights. Panthers will be determined after shifting around the side (Moylan in five-eighth and Mansour returning) they will take victory.
KEY BATTLE
The key battle will be between the two newly appointed five-eighths, Matt Frawley (Bulldogs) and Matt Moylan (Panthers).
Matt Frawley will play his ninth consecutive NRL game and will need to impress in front of coach Des Hasler with Josh Reynolds’ return nearing the Bulldogs. Frawley has contributed two tries, two try-assists, two line-breaks and 226 metres throughout his eight games. He always has a big impact but a strong kicking game will be crucial. Frawley will need to step up and control the attack and make sure each set of six has a positive finish to assist his side to victory.
Despite Moylan having more experience it will be a tough test for him to wear the number six jersey. Most fans will think it’s about time after he is very capable of controlling the game and taking a chance. He will need to a strong partnership with halfback Nathan Cleary and will be hopeful in creating clever kicks for the Panthers to get victory.
PREDICTION
With an even playing field, it will be a challenge for both sides. The Bulldogs will be determined to impress in front of a home crowd and make up for the past two games, Bulldogs by 10.
TEAM LISTS
Bulldogs: 1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Kerrod Holland 6. Matt Frawley 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Greg Eastwood 17. Craig Garvey 19. Francis Tualau 20. Marcelo Montoya 21. Renouf To’omaga 22. Richard Kennar
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Mitch Rein 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 17. Viliame Kikau 18. Sitaleki Akauola 19. Peta Hiku 20. Moses Leota 21. Te Maire Martin
