THURSDAY AUGUST 28th 2025 Accor Stadium, Sydney, 7.50pm.
Bulldogs’ Resilience Tested as Finals Charge Meets Homecoming at Accor
The Bulldogs’ season has been anything but smooth. Three defeats in their last four outings have tested the belief of players and fans alike. Yet as September looms, hope flickers again in Belmore. Their final stretch brings them back to familiar turf — two home games at Accor Stadium — where the blue and white faithful will roar louder than ever, desperate to push their side over the line.
For coach Cameron Ciraldo, this is a defining moment. Once the architect of Penrith’s defensive wall during their 2021-22 premiership triumphs, his early days at Belmore in 2023 were filled with growing pains. But fast-forward to 2025, and Ciraldo has steered the Bulldogs into back-to-back finals appearances, with a chance to end the club’s 21-year premiership drought.
The road won’t be easy. Josh Curran steps into the starting pack with Viliame Kikau sidelined after being hospitalised by a skin infection, while young prop Harry Hayes faces a six-week recovery from a hamstring strain. Into the breach steps Daniel Suluka-Fifita, ready to inject muscle off the bench.
Belmore has waited two decades for glory. Now, with the odds stacked and adversity biting, the Bulldogs must turn struggle into steel as their fans dare to dream once more.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton , 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward , 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon, Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Reed Mahoney Reserves: 19. Enari Tuala 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Jake Turpin, 23. Toby Sexton.
Cleary’s Gamble: Panthers Rest 16 Stars as Finals Loom Large
The Panthers’ charge towards history has hit an unexpected roadblock. After stringing together nine straight victories to climb into the top four, the defending premiers stumbled in dramatic fashion, losing back-to-back golden point thrillers against the Raiders and Storm. Suddenly, a fifth consecutive title run is no longer a march but a fight for survival.
With two rounds left and the top four now out of reach, Ivan Cleary has made one of the boldest calls of his coaching career. Sixteen regulars have been rested, leaving Brad Schneider as the lone survivor from last week’s team. In their place, a new generation steps onto the stage: Daine Laurie takes the fullback role, Jack Cole partners Schneider in the halves, and Paul Alamoti — a double try-scorer in last year’s grand final — shifts to the wing.
For others, this is the moment they’ve dreamed of since juniors. John Fonua, David Fale, Zac Lipowicz, and Billy Phillips will make their NRL debuts, while Austin Dias and Riley Price earn their first outings in Penrith colours. Alongside seasoned campaigner Matt Eisenhuth, who captains the side, the Panthers’ line-up looks more like a NSW Cup showcase than a premiership juggernaut.
Cleary’s decision has already divided the rugby league world. Critics argue it weakens the contest against a dangerous Bulldogs outfit, while supporters insist it’s a masterstroke — conserving firepower for the September grind. One thing is certain: if Penrith are to claim an unprecedented fifth-straight title, they’ll have to do it the hard way, without the safety net of a top-four finish.
For the rookies taking their first steps under the bright lights, this clash isn’t about resting stars — it’s about proving that the next wave of Panthers can roar just as loud.
Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Jesse McLean 3. Sione Fonua 4. David Fale 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cole 7. Brad Schneider 8. Luron Patea 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Austin Dias, 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Mavrik Geyer 13. Matt Eisenhuth Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Preston Riki, 16. Riley Price 17. Billy Phillips Reserves: 18. Billy Scott 19. Niko Apelu 20. Asu Kepaoa, 21. Riley Wake 22. Jaxen Edgar.
Key Stats
The Bulldogs have not defeated the Panthers at Accor Stadium since 2018.
The Panthers have won their last eight games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have won seven from nine at Accor Stadium in 2025.
Panthers centre Casey McLean has scored eight tries in his last six games.
Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz has scored five tries in his last six games.
Officials
Referee: Referee: Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Bulldogs Eye Redemption as Panthers Field New-Look Side
Last week was a bitter pill for the Bulldogs. Their attack, blunt and frustrated, crumbled against the iron-clad defence of the Storm. Across the field, the Panthers also felt the sting of heartbreak — surrendering a lead to the Raiders before falling once again in golden point, their second such collapse in as many weeks.
Now, in one of the most talked-about selection moves of the season, Ivan Cleary has rested the bulk of his first-grade stars. The defending premiers will field a side brimming with rookies and fringe players, turning this clash into both a test of depth and a glimpse into Penrith’s future.
For the Bulldogs, opportunity knocks loudly. With finals approaching and their attack still searching for rhythm, this is the moment to sharpen their combinations, rediscover cohesion, and ignite belief. The blue and white faithful at Accor know this could be more than just a match — it could be the turning point their season desperately needs.
And if the prediction rings true, the Bulldogs may not just edge this one. They could make a statement — by 16 points.
Comments