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.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
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.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Dogs go into half time at 12-6 up as they should've and that game is very different IMO.
Steve b
Guest
Not a Dogs fan but refs made sure they couldnt win this one.
uPelican
Guest
Des needs to get that 1970s hairdo back like when he was at Brookie.
Johnnyball
Guest
How dreary boring was that
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: BULLDOGS 16 DEF. BY PANTHERS 22. Thank you and Goodnight, Roarers!
Kmanning
Guest
This decision is indicative of the incomprehensibility of many refereeing Decisions in the NRL these days. There is no consistency and in some cases they are completely wrong going against all visible evidence. How is this possible? Betting on the game till the third quarter Obviously has something to do with it. Can you bet on a horse race up till the last 100metres? There is too much money at stake and too much temptation for the sport to be believed these days. Follow the money!
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
80' - VIDEO REFERRAL: 'TRY' to Hodkinson sent upstairs. And it will (or at least should be) awarded. And is. Hodkinson reduces the difference to 6.(CBY 16:22 PEN)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
77' - Soward with a huge effort on the chase to deny the Dogs another try. Goal line drop out. (CBY 12:22 PEN)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
76' - TRY: Kasiano crosses following some good lead-up work from Hodkinson and Williams. Hodkinson converts. Too little, too late, however. (CBY 10:22 PEN)
Zee
Roar Guru
Similar, GI obviously alot more devastating when on form, but Moylan is killing him with his consistency. G.I plays like this on occasion, Moylan hasn't had a bad game this season. Agreed, he a great sort for Penrith.
Zee
Roar Guru
What the hell has happened to the Dogs? unbelievable slump. Highlight of this match has been the dressing room cam
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
Their running style is very similar though, isn't it? I'm a huge Moylan fan, and he is only going to get better as he grows and develops in stature and maturity.
Vivalasvegan
Guest
Terrible kick from Jamal
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
68' - TRY: Lafai scores on the Eastern side of the ground. (CBY 4:22) kick to come.
Zee
Roar Guru
Matty, Matty Moylan... you absolute star. Has been waaay more effective than G.I this season.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
63' - TRY: Moylan pours into a HUGE hole and that seals it. Soward converts. The Panthers definitely came to play tonight. (CBY 0:22 PEN)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
62' - "He moves like a Cartwright" - Peter Sterling, describing Bryce Cartwright's running style. Thanks Pete. (CBY 0:16 PEN)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
59' - Bulldogs completion rate at 56% tonight. That speaks volumes, and Des has his head in his hands. (CBY 0:16 PEN)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
50' - TRY: Shut the gate. Mansour scores and the Panthers look in full control of this match. Soward can't convert from adjacent to the sticks. (CBY 0:16 PEN)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
47' - TRY: Segeyaro grabs his second, Soward converts. (CBY 0:12 PEN)