Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 17 clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Penrith Panthers Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Date: Thursday June 26, 7:50pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Luke Garner 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Daine Laurie 21. Trent Toelau 22. Luke Sommerton
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Lachlan Galvin 19. Kurtis Morrin 20. Mitchell Woods 21. Samuel Hughes 22. Jethro Rinakama 23. Blake Taaffe
Referee: Grant Atkins
Bunker: Ashley Klein
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
It’s the clash of the titans at CommBank.
CommBank Stadium is set to host one of the most anticipated match-ups of the NRL season on Thursday night as the defending premiers, the Penrith Panthers, take on the ladder-leading Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in a blockbuster clash.
After a sluggish start to 2025, the Panthers are beginning to rediscover their premiership-winning form, and their impressive victory over the Warriors last week — despite numerous outs and a high error count — has sent a clear warning to the rest of the competition. With their State of Origin stars expected to return, Ivan Cleary’s side appears poised for a late-season surge.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have been the competition’s benchmark throughout the year, built on a foundation of suffocating defence and gritty resilience. Cameron Ciraldo’s men continue to defy expectations, grinding out wins and maintaining their spot at the top of the ladder. However, recent matches have exposed a creeping issue with discipline, with penalties and handling errors threatening to undo their good work.
Against a Panthers side brimming with confidence and experience, the Bulldogs will need to be near-perfect. While they’ve proven they can match it with anyone, this Thursday’s clash looms as their biggest test yet — a true litmus test of their premiership credentials.
The return of Origin players on both sides adds extra firepower and intrigue, setting the stage for what could be a finals-quality contest in June. With the Panthers eyeing a fifth-straight title and the Bulldogs desperate to prove they belong among the elite, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Expect Nathan Cleary to go to another level on the back of his NSW side’s game two loss, while Lachlan Galvin will want to show he deserves to start for the blue and white. Can Penrith’s returning stars ignite another dominant winning streak? Will the Bulldogs tighten up their discipline in time to hold off the champs? Is this a potential preview of a blockbuster finals showdown?
All signs point to a fierce, high-intensity battle under lights in Parramatta. Penrith’s experience in big games and renewed momentum might just edge out the Dogs.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Panthers by 6 points.
Check out our round 17 predictions here.
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