Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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Is this the turning point in the season for the Penrith Panthers when they tackle the Canterbury Bulldogs?
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How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Penrith Panthers team news
Origin stars Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards all return after being rested last week. Scott Sorensen (suspension) is out while Paul Alamoti, Daine Laurie, Matt Eisenhuth and Trent Toelau all make way for the Origin contingent. Brad Schneider and Luke Garner shift to the bench.
Squad: 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
Canterbury Bulldogs team news
Origin stars Stephen Crichton, Max King, Kurt Mann and Matt Burton all return from Blues and Maroons duty. Jacob Kiraz shifts to the wing, Lachlan Galvin switches back to the bench while Kurt Morrin moves to 18th man. Blake Taaffe, Jake Turpin and Blake Wilson all drop out of the squad.
Squad: 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
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs prediction
A blockbuster opener to the round sees the ladder-leading Canterbury Bulldogs tested by a Penrith Panthers side welcoming back their State of Origin contingent.
The Panthers (8th) are on a three-match winning streak, capped by a stunning 28-18 victory in New Zealand against the Warriors without their Origin stars.
The Bulldogs (1st) are fresh from a bye in Round 16. Their last outing was a solid 24-18 win against the Rabbitohs, and their form over the last five matches is an impressive WWLWW, establishing them as the team to beat in 2025.
Nathan Cleary has been pivotal in his 11 appearances this season, scoring 84 points with a goalkicking success rate over 90%.
Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton has been a point-scoring machine for the Bulldogs, amassing 80 points in 11 games. His clash with his former club adds extra spice to this encounter.
Since 1998, the Panthers have had the wood over the Bulldogs, winning 27 of their 46 encounters. Penrith have won five consecutive matches against Canterbury leading into the 2025 season, including a hard-fought 16-10 victory in Round 10, 2024.
This mouthwatering clash is a battle between the season's most consistent side and a team now at full strength and brimming with talent. We think this can be a watershed moment for the Panthers and they can win a close one.
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs tip: Penrith Panthers to win
