JULY 23rd, 2023 CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v PENRITH PANTHERS
BLUEBET STADIUM,PENRITH
In NRL Round 21 on July 23, 2023, the reigning Premiers, Penrith Panthers, are determined to solidify their position atop the ladder and boost their points differential as they host the struggling Canterbury Bulldogs at BlueBet Stadium in Penrith. The Bulldogs face a daunting task as they have conceded a staggering 224 points in their last five games, while the Panthers welcome back their superstar playmaker, Nathan Cleary, and other Origin stars rested in Round 20.
Sitting one game ahead of the Dragons and two clear of the Wests Tigers, the Bulldogs are motivated to avoid a second wooden spoon in three years. Although facing the Panthers and Raiders in Round 25, they hope for morale-boosting wins against teams outside the top eight in their remaining matches.
The Panthers displayed their impressive depth during the Origin period, and with Cleary leading the way, they are well-positioned to become the first team since Parramatta in 1981-82-83 to claim three consecutive premierships.
For the Penrith Panthers, despite facing disruptions during the Origin period, they managed to lose only one game under the leadership of Jack Cogger and Dylan Edwards. Now, with their stars well-rested, they are favorites to secure their third consecutive premiership.
The game against Canterbury holds personal significance, with coaches, administrators, and players having crossed paths between the two clubs. While it may appear to be an easy victory on paper for Penrith, the game could be heated, and both teams will need to maintain discipline to avoid costly mistakes.
On the team front, the Panthers’ Origin contingent, including To’o, Crichton, Luai, Martin, and Yeo, are set to provide a timely boost. Additionally, Nathan Cleary is set to celebrate his 150th first-grade fixture.
The Panthers have a dominant record against the Bulldogs, winning their past five encounters by 12 points or more. Canterbury’s prop, Tevita Pangai Jnr, has been impressive against Penrith, scoring four tries in their last four clashes.
While the Bulldogs have struggled with injuries and defensive efforts, they still have the potential to surprise, especially with promising attacking signs in recent games. However, they will need to be at their best to outmatch Penrith’s juggernaut, led by Max King and Tevita Pangai Jr.
In terms of team news, Kyle Flanagan takes over at halfback for the Bulldogs, while Paul Alamoti replaces Braidon Burns at centre. Viliame Kikau and Josh Addo-Carr are listed among the reserves, aiming to prove their fitness.
Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 11. Jackson Topine 12. Jacob Preston 13. Corey Waddell 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Tevita Pangai Junior 17. Jayden Okunbor 19. Samuel Hughes 20. Hayze Perham 21. Chris Patolo 22. Josh Addo-Carr 23. Viliame Kikau
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Luke Garner 18. Jack Cogger 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Thomas Jenkins 22. Tyrone Peachey
Referees: Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Adam Gee;
PREDICTION
Penrith for me, but by how much? Well, lots I think. Really not worth while betting on this. Better odds elsewhere.
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