Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers: NRL live scores, blog

The 2020 minor premiers, the Penrith Panthers, will look to surge into the finals with a win over the Canterbury Bulldogs, who have escaped the wooden spoon with the Brisbane Broncos losing on Thursday night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary this afternoon from 3pm (AEST).

The Panthers are riding a wave of 14 straight wins, and wrapped up the minor premiership last weekend with a game in hand. They have rested some players for this one, knowing that a home final is guaranteed for them.

The Bulldogs pulled themselves off the bottom of the ladder last weekend with an encouraging win over the Rabbitohs. The loss by the Broncos on Thursday night means they will escape the wooden spoon for 2020.

This is the first meeting of the two sides this season, with the Bulldogs winning the only match between the two sides last year in what was a crunch game for the Panthers.

The Panthers have won three of the last five between the two clubs, and have the better of the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, winning eight of 15 played there.

The Panthers have rested Dylan Edwards, Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau for this one, but may yet rest more and give some players in the extended squad some game time.

Dean Whare, Billy Burns, Mitch Kenny and Jack Hetherington are named on the extended bench and could be brought in, needing game time ahead of the finals. With plenty of other teams resting stars, Ivan Cleary may be motivated to do the same.

For the Bulldogs, there are a few changes to the side that beat the Rabbitohs last week with Kerrod Holland playing his final game for the Dogs, replacing Tim Lafai.

Prediction
The Bulldogs got the win they have been searching for last weekend, and that will almost certainly be their last one for the season. They have been scrappy and brave for most of the season, and a small reward is finishing without the spoon.

But the Panthers are a whole different kettle of fish, regardless of the team that takes the paddock this afternoon. They look fit, confident, fast and as though they are really enjoying each other’s company. There is no pressure in this one for them, with their spot assured. They can have a bit of fun with things.

This is the Panthers’ first day match since Round 11. They haven’t had trouble scoring points, but this is an opportunity for them to play some expansive footy and really put the Bulldogs to the sword. This will be the Panthers’ day. With the minor premiership to be presented and a finals series around the corner, the Panthers will see off the Bulldogs with ease.

Panthers by 24.

Can the Bulldogs make it two in a row? Or will the Panthers march into the finals and put everyone on notice? Join The Roar this afternoon at 3pm for all the action, live scores and updates in our blog.

Game information

Kick-off: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
TV: Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Panthers $1.15, Bulldogs $5.50

Teams

Bulldogs
1. Will Hopoate, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Jayden Okunbor, 6. Jake Averillo, 7. Lachlan Lewis, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Chris Smith, 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench/Reserves: 14. Brandon Wakeham, 15. Renouf To’omaga, 16. Sione Katoa, 17. Sauaso Sue, 19. Dean Britt, 20. Jack Cogger, 21. Tuipuoltu Katoa, 22. Kerrod Holland

Panthers
1. Daine Laurie, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Tyrone May, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench/Reserves: 14. Matt Burton, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Moses Leota, 17. Zane Tetevano, 18. Mitch Kenny, 19. Dean Whare, 20. Jack Hetherington, 21. Billy Burns