After starting the season with two wins the Bulldogs have now lost two straight and must confront the red-hot Panthers without skipper Stephen Crichton who is nursing a knee injury.

So dominant have the Panthers been that their points differential of +150 is highest in premiership history after five rounds and right now it’s hard to see how anyone will shut them down.

If the Bulldogs are to be the first team to lower Penrith’s colours they will need a massive lift in defensive intensity after giving up 56 points in their losses to the Knights and Rabbitohs.

The last time these sides met was the 2025 semi-final at Accor Stadium and it was the Panthers piling on 46 points to march into a preliminary final and end the Dogs’ season in the process.

With Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo at the peak of their powers, the Panthers look hell bent on reclaiming their crown after missing the grand final last year for the first time since 2019.

Team News

Bulldogs: Bronson Xerri’s exile is over as he comes in for injured skipper Stephen Crichton (shoulder). Prop Harry Hayes joins the interchange after his return from concussion was delayed last week. Jake Turpin is the new face on the six-man bench. Winger Jethro Rinakama returned from a shoulder injury in NSW Cup last week and remained in the squad when it was trimmed to 20 on Wednesday.

Panthers: Just the one change for the ladder leaders with Mitch Kenny returning from suspension to take over from Freddy Lussick at hooker. Izack Tago is also part of the extended squad as he continues his wait for a first NRL appearance since last year’s preliminary final. Kalani Going and Jack Cole were omitted 24 hours before kick-off.

Stat Attack

The Bulldogs have won only one of their past 10 games against the Panthers.
Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored 13 tries in 15 games at Accor Stadium.
Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored five tries in his last three games against the Panthers.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary will make his 200th NRL appearance.
The Bulldogs have conceded 126 points in four consecutive losses at Accor Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.