The wounded Bulldogs face a huge task against a Panthers side growing in belief as they eye an incredible fifth straight premiership.

The Bulldogs have now lost four of their past five games and the lone victory came in Round 26 against a Panthers side missing 16 of its regular first-graders.

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.

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.

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

The Bulldogs have won only two of their past seven games.
The Panthers have won eight of their last nine games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have less than half of the finals experience of the Panthers team.
Panthers prop Moses Leota will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored four tries in his last two games against the Panthers.

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