Matchday Details
Thursday, August 28 – 7:50pm (AEST) – Accor Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Wyatt Raymond | Bunker: Ashley Klein
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerii 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Reed Mahoney 19. Enari Tuala 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Jake Turpin 23. Toby Sexton
Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Jesse McLean 3. Sione Fonua 4. David Fale 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cole 7. Brad Schneider 8. Luron Patea 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Austin Dias 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Maverick Geyer 13. Matthew Eisenhuth 14. Soni Luke 15. Preston Riki 16. Riley Price 17. Billy Phillips 18. Billy Scott 19. Niko Apelu 20. Asu Kepaoa 21. Riley Wake 22. Jaxen Edgar
Match Preview
What was looking like another heavyweight clash of premiership heavyweights is now expected to be an easy victory for the Bulldogs after the Panthers have decided to rest almost their entire first grade team. These two sides produced one of the best games of the season back in Round 17, the Panthers prevailing 8-6 in a low-scoring thriller, but any proper rematch will have to wait until a potential face off in finals.
There are two changes for the Bulldogs from last week’s six-point loss to the Storm. Viliame Kikau has been hospitalised with a skin infection, so Josh Curran returns to the side in the back row, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita has been named on the bench in place of the injured Harry Hayes.
The Panthers, on the other hand, have made mass changes, with coach Ivan Cleary choosing to rest 16 of his top players. Matt Eisenhuth is the sole player remaining from last week’s golden point loss to the Raiders and will captain the side. Paul Alamoti gets another chance on the wing after being unable to retain a starting spot in the side this season. Zac Lipowicz, Billy Phillips, John Fonua and David Fale will all make their NRL debuts.
Cleary has had no hesitation in resting players in previous years, but it’s a bold decision this time around. However, it’s one that arguably makes sense, with finals locked in and a top four finish all but out of reach. The Panthers have begun to look slightly fatigued after a mammoth effort to move from bottom spot to top four on the back of nine straight wins, with their momentum halted following two heartbreaking, golden point losses to premiership heavyweights in the Storm and Raiders. Now, the team has a chance to rest and sort out any niggling injuries before beginning sudden death footy as they hunt a fifth straight premiership.
For the Bulldogs, this is one they simply must win. They’ve been gifted an opportunity to lock in a top four berth, but it’s also a chance to gain some much-needed momentum after three losses in their last four matches. Cameron Ciraldo’s men were brave in defeat against the Storm in Melbourne last week but ultimately could not get over the line. This match is a chance to get back on track ahead of another big test against the Sharks in the final game of the regular season next week.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Bulldogs by 22
See our full Round 26 Predictions (live Wednesday 12pm) here: 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 26 Writer Predictions
Have your say: Who wins? Drop your tip in the comments or vote in our poll.
