Matchday Details
Thursday, 9 April 2026 – 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Name | Bunker: Name
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Bronson Xerri, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Bailey Hayward, 10. Samuel Hughes, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Jaeman Salmon, 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Sitili Tupouniua, 16. Harry Hayes, 17. Sean O’Sullivan, 19. Jake Turpin, 20. Lipoi Hopoi, 21. Alekolasimi Jones, 22. Logan Spinks, 23. Jethro Rinakama
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Thomas Jenkins, 3. Paul Alamoti, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Blaize Talagi, 7. Nathan Cleary (c), 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Jack Cogger, 15. Billy Phillips, 16. Scott Sorensen, 17. Luke Garner, 18. Izack Tago, 19. Freddy Lussick, 20. Sione Fonua, 21. Kalani Going, 22. Jack Cole
Match Preview
Canterbury faces a tall order on Thursday – hosting an undefeated Penrith side riding the crest of a wave and preparing to celebrate Nathan Cleary’s 200th NRL game.
The Panthers crushed Melbourne 50-10 last week and became the first team since 2003 to open 5‑0, with each win by 20+ points.
Flying winger Thomas Jenkins has 12 tries already in five games. By contrast the Bulldogs are 2-2 and slipped to a 32-24 loss to Souths in Round 5, which saw them lose their captain and centre, Stephen Crichton, with a shoulder injury. He will miss 2-6 weeks.
Bronson Xerri is set for a recall at centre. Harry Hayes (concussion) is pushing for a return this week after two weeks out and has been named on the bench.
Penrith’s only change is the return of Mitch Kenny from suspension, with Freddy Lussick shifting back to the bench. Otherwise Ivan Cleary’s pack is intact – forwards Isaiah Papali’i and Liam Martin will again team with core halves Nathan Cleary and Blaize Talagi to orchestrate the attack.
Key match-ups include Matt Burton trying to contain Cleary, and Viliame Kikau against the powerful Martin on the edge – a big task for the out-of-form Fijian.
The Panthers’ backline (Edwards, Jenkins, To’o, Alamoti) will pose a constant aerial and overlap threat to a Bulldogs defence missing their skipper.
Tactical play is likely to see Penrith dominate possession and territory, using their forward edge and kicks, while the Bulldogs must scramble and strike on the counter.
Last year these two clashed in what was a thrilling and close encounter in Round 17. Penrith prevailed 8-6 with just a penalty goal in it, however the Bulldogs’ defence looks misaligned so far in 2026 and it’s hard to see this one being close.
Penrith’s dominant form, lethal strike power, and a near-full strength squad should see them outclass a Bulldogs side lacking confidence and depleted by Crichton’s injury, yielding a sizeable Panthers win.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Panthers by 24
Bold call: Nathan Cleary to score a try and set up two in a classic performance for his 200th game.
Related
- NRL Round 6 2026 Predictions & Tips
- NRL Round 6 Team Lists – 2026 Season
- NRL 2026 Results Tracker
- 2026 NRL Match Review Results Tracker: Charges, Suspensions & Fines
- NRL Injury List 2026
