Bulldogs
0
Match Complete
Panthers
28
| 78 |  | S. Crichton | ||
| 77 |  | P. Momirovski | ||
| 72 | | S. Crichton | ||
| 71 | | P. Momirovski | ||
| 60 | | N. Cleary | ||
| 58 | | V. Kikau | ||
| 38 | | N. Cleary | ||
| 37 | | T. May | ||
| 4 | | V. Kikau |
| 0 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 2 continues this afternoon when the Canterbury Bulldogs host the Penrith Panthers at Bankwest Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm (AEDT).
We are only one round in but already the cream of the 2020 season seems to be rising to the top in 2021. Penrith came out of the gates fast last Saturday night before remembering it was only Round 1 and that they weren’t supposed to be playing that well.
Still, 24-0 was a convincing first-up result and Ivan Cleary would have been particularly happy with the defensive effort. It is arguable as to how much attack the Cowboys threw at the Panthers but they kept them out with ease.
Penrith fans are probably more excited about Brian To’o’s switch to the left wing, creating a left edge of Jarome Luai, Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton and To’o. They will create havoc for a number of opposition defences this year.
The Panthers didn’t suffer any injuries in Round 1 so have named the same 17.
With a host of new players, the Bulldogs attack under Trent Barrett does look more threatening. However, in contrast, the defence looks to have gone backwards and you are not going to win many games when you concede 32.
For the Bulldogs, young half Kyle Flanagan has a big job on his hands coming up against Nathan Cleary. Flanagan was good against the Knights, especially in the first half. He needs to be at his best for the full 80 minutes this afternoon.
Jeremy Marshall-King returns on the bench after recovering from a foot injury, taking Brad Deitz’s spot. Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been named to start with Corey Waddell back to the bench.
Prediction
The Panthers looked ominous last week and they will be better for the run
There’s no doubt the Bulldogs squad have improved but they remain a fair way away from their opponents level.
Penrith Panthers by 20
Game information
Kick-off: 3.00pm (AEDT)
Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta
TV: Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Bulldogs: $5.90, Panthers $1.13 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Bulldogs
1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Will Hopoate 4. Nick Cotric 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Sione Katoa 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Adam Elliott 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Josh Jackson
Interchange: 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Corey Waddell 17. Dylan Napa
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin
Blake
Guest
So this 'record' is broken on the scoreboard but for the bobble & the bunker Penrith didn't keep Bulldogs from crossing their line.
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Yes , I can’t understand the optimism of some Bulldog supporters. I think it’s going to be another disappointing year for them .
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
A lot of fuss has been made over the Panthers 52-0 aggregate scoreline over the first two rounds of the NRL. No mention has been made that they have only beaten two of the bottom three teams from last season who finished 14th and 15th respectively. Next week will be a whole new ball game and the Panthers better bring their 'A' game because the Storm won't be happy to have fallen out of the top 8 and to have been jumped by the Bunnies. I am tipping a Storm next week irrespective of whether it rains or not.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Can"t attack with bugger all ball
Tony
Roar Guru
Brilliant
Dutski
Roar Guru
All done with parts left over <15. I’ll call that a win.
Bloke7
Roar Rookie
Sheesh, it was 4-0 when I had to head off at the 35th minute mark and the Bulldogs were looking decent. 2 almost tries, 1 an absolute stunner if not for the early knock on. But yeah the forward power was never strong, can't blame the backs and halves if that pack doesn't step up.
Tony
Roar Guru
Hey HY. Are you watching the next game? If so, maybe take a couple of tranquilisers before kick off and put some Enya albums on the stereo.
Rob
Guest
Momirovski was originally with the roosters he played in the 2018 preliminary final against souths he replaced Mitchell who was suspended he also scored a try
Tony
Roar Guru
I dunno. There looks to be a race to the bottom.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Too bad that loss was fairly important
Big Daddy
Guest
David, sharpen the pencil . I thinks South's might score a few.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
What is that now 20 wins and 1 loss.. ?
Big Daddy
Guest
Probably easier to pick bottom 4 than top 4 .
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Penrith have a slick look to them at the moment. Nice.
Big Daddy
Guest
What were Canterbury thinking when they signed Barrett. Not sure who writes his resume but he'll make a good used car or insurance salesman.
Tony
Roar Guru
Good luck. It you finish with more than 15 left over parts you've %$#%Ed up.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Yeah - I think coach Cleary needs to be given more credit for how well he prepares this Panthers side - they are absolutely ruthless. And I'm afraid the Bulldogs just don't have the cattle to be competitive as yet. Supporters are bemoaning how poor some of the sides are near the bottom of the table but we are fortunate to have some very very good teams at the top of the table that will be competing for the flag. The top 6 have very strong squads that are all capable of beating each other at any time.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog. Off for a short run around the house and back for Manly vs Souths at Lottoland. Can only imagine what Brookvale is looking like
Vagi
Guest
:rugby: :rugby: