The Panthers’ dream of a remarkable five-peat is alive and well after their win over the Warriors and the next step on the journey comes at a packed Accor Stadium against the Bulldogs.

With Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo leading the way, the Panthers have an undeniable chance of becoming the first team to win the premiership from outside the top four – and the first since St George in the 50s and 60s to win five titles in a row.

The Bulldogs last tasted grand final glory in 2004 and would love nothing more than to reward their army of fans with the ninth premiership in club history.

Two proud clubs, one preliminary final spot up for grabs. It doesn’t get any bigger this and you can follow all the Semi-Final action on NRL.com’s live blog.


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Cleary embracing the nerves

Bulldogs v Panthers at Accor Stadium

3 min: Matt Burton bangs over the penalty goal from straight in front. Bulldogs 2-0.

2 min: Viliame Kikau charges down a Nathan Cleary kick and is impeded by Dylan Edwards as he attempts to chase the loose ball. Edwards is penalised, the Panthers throw in a captain’s challenge and come up empty, burning their challenge for the day.

Late Mail

Bulldogs: A late switch on game day with Reed Mahoney starting at hooker and Bailey Hayward going to the bench. Sitili Tupouniua will also start the game at prop with Josh Curran sliding to the bench. Captain Stephen Crichton was officially ruled out after failing a fitness test at Saturday’s captain’s run. Matt Burton moves to centre, Lachlan Galvin takes over at five-eighth and Toby Sexton plays halfback. Bronson Xerri (concussion) returns in the centres but Marcelo Montoya (ankle) remains sidelined. Blake Wilson is 18th man.

Panthers: Hooker Mitch Kenny comes into the starting side an hour before kick-off as he returns from a hamstring injury. Kenny will wear jersey No.22 with Luke Sommerton the man to make way. Daine Laurie is 18th man. Four-time premiership winner Moses Leota makes his 200th NRL appearance.

Numbers Game

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.