The new-look Bulldogs face a huge task against a Panthers side growing in belief as they eye an incredible fifth straight Premiership.
The Bulldogs will aim to replicate their Round 26 victory against the Panthers this week in front of a sea of Blue and White at Accor Stadium, with tickets starting from just $19!
Match: Bulldogs v Panthers
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Bulldogs
3rd Position
away Team
Panthers
7th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Second rower Jacob Preston will be out to continue his try-scoring form against the Panthers, tallying four tries in the previous two match ups in 2025.
The Premiers on the other hand are taking on an ominous look after eliminating the Warriors on the back of a Nathan Cleary kicking masterclass and a combined 83 runs and 796 metres from their back five.
Preston's First Career Hat-Trick
Looking to become the first side to win the competition from outside the top four, and the first side since St George in the 50s and 60s to win five straight Premierships, the Panthers have a sense of destiny about them in 2025.
With a monster crowd on hand at Accor Stadium this promises to be a battle for the ages between the champions and a legitimate contender to their crown.
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Team News
Bulldogs: A number of changes forced by injury with Matt Burton sliding to the centres to replace skipper Stephen Crichton, who is listed among the reserves despite nursing an ankle injury that it was initially feared had ended his season. Lachlan Galvin takes over from Burton in the No.6 jersey and Toby Sexton starts at halfback. Bronson Xerri (concussion) returns in the centres while Reed Mahoney has earned a recall on the bench. Winger Marcelo Montoya (ankle) is also part of the extended squad as he pushes to return after missing the loss to Melbourne.
Panthers: Ivan Cleary has named the same 17 that got the job done in Auckland last week with hooker Mitch Kenny listed among the reserves as he looks to return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him last week. Tom Jenkins is again listed as the 18th man. Four-time premiership winner Moses Leota makes his 200th NRL appearance.
Stat Attack
- Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored four tries in his last two games
- The Bulldogs will be aiming for their first finals victory since 2015
- The Bulldogs and Panthers have each won two of four of their finals meetings against one another
- The Bulldogs have less than half of the finals experience of the Panthers team.
- Panthers prop Moses Leota will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
