THURSDAY JUNE 26th, 2025 COMMBANK STADIUM, Sydney, 7.50PM
Turning Point in Penrith’s Premiership Defence?
After surviving the storm in Auckland without five of their biggest names, the Penrith Panthers may have found the spark to reignite their premiership charge.
Last week’s gritty win over the red-hot Warriors—achieved without the likes of Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, and Dylan Edwards—felt like more than just two competition points. It was a statement. With their Origin stars sidelined, the Panthers’ depth stood tall, lifting the reigning champs back into the top eight.
Now, with their big guns returning fresh and focused, Penrith are gearing up for a Thursday night blockbuster against the ladder-leading Bulldogs—a clash that could shape the top four and set the tone for the final third of the season.
Cleary, Yeo, To’o, Martin, and Edwards all slot back into the starting side, bringing with them a wealth of experience, leadership, and class. Their inclusion forces several changes, with Paul Alamoti, Daine Laurie, Matt Eisenhuth and Trent Toelau making way. Brad Schneider and Luke Garner shift to the bench after stepping up admirably in New Zealand.
With a Round 18 bye looming and a run of five matches against lower-ranked teams (Eels, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Titans, Knights) to follow, the Panthers now face a golden opportunity. If last week’s effort was a glimpse of their depth, Thursday night might reveal whether Penrith are truly ready to defend their crown once again.
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean. 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny. 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider. 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Luke Garner 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Matt Eisenhuth . 20. Daine Laurie 21. Trent Toelau 22. Luke Sommerton
Out: Scott Sorensen (second row), Daine Laurie (fullback to reserve), Paul Alamoti (wing to reserve), Matt Eisenhuth (bench to reserve)
In: Dylan Edwards (fullback), Brian To’o (wing), Nathan Cleary (halfback), Liam Martin (second row), Isaah Yeo (lock)
Changes: Brad Schneider (halfback to bench), Luke Garner (second row to bench), Isaiah Papali’i (lock to second row)
Title: Bulldogs Back and Eyeing History as Panthers Await
Perched proudly atop the NRL ladder, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs return from their Round 17 bye refreshed, reloaded, and within striking distance of their first minor premiership in over a decade. The last time they finished a regular season in top spot was back in 2012—a year that ended in grand final heartbreak at the hands of the Melbourne Storm. This time around, they’re determined to write a different ending.
Fueling that charge is breakout playmaker Lachlan Galvin, whose midseason arrival has injected new life into the Bulldogs’ already potent attack. With Stephen Crichton leading from the back and Matt Burton steering in the halves, the Dogs now boast one of the most unpredictable and versatile offensive arsenals in the competition.
They’ll need every bit of that firepower on Thursday night when they face a Panthers side still finding its rhythm. While Penrith remain defending champions, their 2025 defence has shown uncharacteristic vulnerability—leaking an average of 22 points per game compared to just 15 in their all-conquering 2024 campaign.
The Bulldogs welcome back a host of Origin stars to the fold. Crichton, Max King, Kurt Mann, and Burton all return after representing New South Wales in Origin II, bolstering a side already brimming with confidence. Their inclusions prompt a backline reshuffle: Jacob Kiraz shifts to the wing, Galvin takes on an impact role off the bench, and Kurt Morrin drops to 18th man. Blake Taaffe, Jake Turpin, and Blake Wilson make way.
With their sights set on silverware and a blockbuster showdown against a reinvigorated Panthers outfit looming, the Bulldogs know what’s at stake. A win on Thursday night wouldn’t just be another step toward the minor premiership—it could be the clearest sign yet that this team is ready to go the distance.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton. 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney. 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward. 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Lachlan Galvin 19. Kurtis Morrin. 20. Mitchell Woods 21. Samuel Hughes 22. Jethro Rinakama 23. Blake Taaffe
Out: Blake Wilson (wing), Jake Turpin (bench), Kurtis Morrin (bench to reserve), Blake Taaffe (bench to reserve)
In: Stephen Crichton (centre), Matt Burton (five-eighth), Max King (front row), Kurt Mann (bench)
Changes: Jacob Kiraz (centre to wing), Lachlan Galvin (five-eighth to bench), Josh Curran (front row to bench)
Key Stats
The Panthers have won their past seven games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Panthers forward Luke Garner has scored seven tries in his past eight games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have won only one of their past four games at CommBank Stadium.
Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has scored eight tries in his past six games.
Panthers Roar Back into Form as Bulldogs Face Crucial Test
Last weekend in Auckland, the Panthers reminded the NRL world exactly why they’re still a premiership threat—grinding out a gutsy win over the red-hot Warriors without five of their biggest stars. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Missing their Origin guns, the reigning premiers leaned on youthful energy, discipline, and that trademark Penrith grit to pull off one of their most impressive victories of the season.
It was the kind of performance that signalled a turning point for a team that stumbled early in 2025. Now, as their champion players return and the top eight tightens, the Panthers are beginning to look more and more like their old, ruthless selves.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs had the luxury of a well-timed bye following a solid win over South Sydney in Round 16. But while Canterbury sit comfortably atop the ladder and look every bit a title contender, Thursday night’s clash looms as a potential trap game. With young playmaker Lachlan Galvin still finding his feet in a star-studded spine, and Origin stars coming back into the mix, there’s a sense of uncertainty about how the Bulldogs will respond against a Panthers side building serious momentum.
This matchup is more than just a top-four battle—it’s a litmus test for both clubs. For the Bulldogs, it’s a chance to prove they can handle pressure from a side that refuses to go away. For the Panthers, it’s an opportunity to show that their next charge has officially begun.
If Penrith can blend the youthful spark that carried them past the Warriors with the class of their returning Origin core, they might just walk into the Bulldogs’ backyard and steal two more valuable points.
Referees, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Matt Noyen, Bunker Ashley Klein.
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