Jem Nash previews the final match of round five where the Panthers look to stay undefeated against the struggling Bulldogs.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs Penrith Panthers
Venue: CommBank Stadium
Date: Sunday, April 10, 6:15pm AEST
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Related: NRL Team List Tuesday
Embed from Getty ImagesBulldogs: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Brent Naden 3. Braidon Burns 4. Jake Averillo 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Corey Waddell 12. Tevita Pangai Jr 13. Josh Jackson 14. Brandon Wakeham 15. Chris Patolo 16. Max King 17. Joe Stimson 19. Bailey Biondi-Odo 20. Reece Hoffman 21. Aaron Schoupp 22. Jayden Okunbor 23. Ava Seumanufagai 24. Joshua Cook 25. Jackson Topine
Kyle Flanagan plays his first game of the season after being recalled at halfback, pushing Brandon Wakeham to the bench and Bailey Biondi-Odo to the reserves.
Embed from Getty ImagesPanthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matthew Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Robert Jennings 19. Chris Smith 20. J’maine Hopgood 21. Lindsay Smith 22. Soni Luke 23. Christian Crichton 24. Sean O’Sullivan
Ivan Cleary has named the same team that beat the Rabbitohs a week ago.
Referee: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Bulldogs copped a hammering from the Storm last week in a 44-0 loss and it doesn’t get any easier as they go up against the undefeated Panthers this weekend. It’s been a difficult start to the season as they have managed just 28 points through the first four games, with their busy off season yet to spark their struggling attack. In one positive for the Dogs, they conceded just 11 points per game through the first three weeks before last week’s demolition.
If the Bulldogs are any chance in this clash, their attack must get going but it won’t be easy against one of the best defences in the competition. Perhaps the inclusion of Kyle Flanagan can provide that spark but it could be a baptism of fire for the young half.
The Panthers have started the season incredibly strong, picking up right where they left off last year. With Nathan Cleary back they will only get better, while the injury to Brian To’o hasn’t hurt the side as much as some may have thought due to Taylan May’s outstanding play with five tries through two games. All signs point to an easy win for the defending premiers.
Embed from Getty ImagesINTERESTING FACT
The recent history between the two sides is quite even, with Panthers winning six of the last 10 matches against the Bulldogs.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Panthers by 20
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