Roar Guru
The Penrith Panthers secured a crucial win against top four rivals the Canterbury Bulldogs to keep their aspirations of a top two finish alive.
FINAL SCORE:
BULLDOGS 16
PANTHERS 22
An injury-ravaged Penrith Panthers travel to ANZ Stadium to take on the Canterbury Bulldogs to open Round 21 of the NRL.
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The Panthers got the better of the Dogs in their Round 3 clash, prevailing 18-16 thanks largely to a Matt Moylan conversion after the siren.
While both sides are coming into this match on the back of consecutive – and unexpected – losses, you can be assured that the two points will be hotly contested for in this match.
With both sides well positioned inside the top four, this match offers a crucial opportunity for one side to move into a strong position and challenge for a top two spot come the end of the season.
Blues’ five-eighth Josh Reynolds returns from suspension in what is sure to be a huge boost for his side.
Tony Williams returns to the back row, as Moses Mbye will again line up in the centres.
Former Newcastle youngster Will Smith makes his NRL debut alongside halves partner Jamie Soward, as David Simmons returns from NSW Cup to replace Kevin Naiqama on the wing.
Josh Mansour returns from injury on the opposing flank.
Statistics show that the Bulldogs have run for more metres than any other side this season.
So if the Panthers are to be any chance of causing an upset here, their forwards will have to out-muscle the big Bulldogs pack.
Strong defence coupled with the second fewest errors in season 2014, the gritty Dogs should be too good for this depleted Penrith outfit.
Bulldogs by 9.
Can the Dogs assert themselves as a top-four team? Will the Panthers get their title ambitions back on track?
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.