One of the season’s most heavily anticipated clashes is almost upon us, with the Bulldogs and Panthers doing battle for a preliminary finals berth on Sunday afternoon.
The Canterbury club have consistently dipped into Penrith’s wealth of talent in recent years, plucking the likes of Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau away from the reigning premiers.
Adding to that star group is now head coach Cameron Ciraldo, who was the Panthers’ assistant before taking over of the famous Belmore club.
MATCH CENTRE: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers, scores, videos
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
So it’s fair to say there’s going to be some fireworks in this clash.
However, the Bulldogs were handed some big injury blow with skipper Crichton out for this game after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the first week of finals.
Enari Tuala also broke his leg, while Kikau will battle through a facial fracture and take the field, alongside a new-look backline under Ciraldo.
Toby Sexton has been recalled to start in the No.7, with Lachlan Galvin moving to five-eighth and Matt Burton shuffling out wide in the centres.
Meanwhile, for the Panthers, Mitch Kenny is hopeful of returning from a hamstring injury in the only potential change for the four-time champions.
Catch all the action below in our live blog, if you can’t see it click here!
Discussion about this post