Pregame Notes: Round 13 v Panthers

Author: bulldogs.com.au
Timestamp: Thu 2 Jun 2022, 12:27 PM

When the Bulldogs head to the foot of the mountains to face the Panthers on Friday night, it will provide them with a golden opportunity to snare an important two points.

Penrith enter the match with six superstars absent on Origin duty and a new halves pairing featuring the promising Sean O’Sullivan and debutant Kurt Falls, who will attempt to take the reins. Whilst the Bulldogs continue to be fortunate with injuries in 2022, Tevita Pangai jnr remains unavailable and coach Mick Potter has made a few subtle tweaks to a line-up that was competitive against the Dragons, before losing narrowly in a high scoring affair.

The four tries scored in the 24-34 loss at Belmore Sports Ground were pleasing, yet defensive lapses once again proved costly. Canterbury outperformed the Red V in most key statistical areas, with overall possession in their favour off the back of a much improved completion rate (81%), that will have impressed the coach immensely.

Run and post contact metres also went the Bulldogs’ way, as did, unfortunately, the number of missed and ineffective tackles (34), yet the timing of some of those misses were crucial and the Dragons capitalised when given the opportunity. Matt Burton, will look to use his strong kicking game against his former club this week, and will know only too well the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner finally returns to the starting line-up after a nightmare run with injury, with Corey Waddell taking a seat on the bench, whilst Potter has tweaked his back row, with captain Josh Jackson and Max King switching positions.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Friday 3 Jun

Full Time

Panthers

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 22 Corey Allan
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Taylan May

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Aaron Schoupp
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Robert Jennings

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jake Averillo
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Charlie Staines

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Kurt Falls

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle Flanagan

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Paul Vaughan
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris

Prop for Bulldogs is number 17 Ava Seumanufagai
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Josh Jackson
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Chris Smith

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Matthew Eisenhuth

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Max King

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Mitch Kenny

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Zach Dockar-Clay
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott Sorensen

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Corey Waddell
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Chris Patolo
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Jaeman Salmon

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Joe Stimson

Reserves

Replacement for Panthers is number 21 Sunia Turuva

Replacement for Bulldogs is number 25 Kurtis Morrin

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 3/4/2024 11:32:45 PM

The coach will be looking for a repeat of the improved discipline shown against the Dragons, where just three penalties were conceded, yet the eleven errors made with the ball will see handling remain an area of concern.

The match presents a perfect opportunity for an upset, with the Panthers ripe for the picking, undermanned and potentially a little disorganised with all the enforced changes. Despite the players coming in being of quality, there are certainly areas where the improving Bulldogs can target the mountain men, with Dylan Edwards the most seasoned player in what looks a remarkably young and inexperienced back line.

That will present Josh Addo-Carr, with all the motivation he needs to show coach Brad Fittler that he should be playing a role for the Blues in the series. Along with Aaron Schoupp, the Fox should be able to create some indecision out wide and if the Bulldogs continue to find the try line as frequently as they have in the last two rounds, they could well pose a serious threat to the table topping Panthers.