NRL Round 13 Preview and Prediction - Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers @ ANZ Stadium
Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers @ ANZ Stadium
Preview - It's a crucial game for both the struggling Bulldogs and Panthers when they lock horns at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Sunday. The Bulldogs have shown all their usual qualities of being defensively sound and hard to beat, however they are struggling on the competition ladder with 5 wins and 7 losses and in real danger of missing the finals for the first time in 6 seasons under Head Coach Des Hasler. The Bulldogs controlled their game against the Sharks for large parts, leading 8-2 with 15 minutes to go, before losing 9-8 in a heart breaker in the final few minutes. The Panthers will be looking to make it 3 consecutive victories after miracle comebacks against both the Warriors and Knights revived the mountain men's season. Having trailed the Warriors by 22 at half time and won, the Panthers looked in similar trouble trailing the Knights 14-0 at the break, before another 30-point second half saw them turn the tide.
History - These sides have traded wins over the past 5 seasons with both Clubs registering 5 wins from the past 10 encounters. Whilst the Bulldogs got the chocolates 18-16 in Round 2 last season, they were smashed 28-12 in Week 1 of the finals by a Panthers' side that dominated them totally on the day, ending the Bulldogs' season. Interestingly, the Panthers have a shocking recent record at ANZ Stadium, having lost their last 5 games there, with their last win at the venue coming against the Bulldogs in 2014.
Canterbury Bulldogs' Scouting Report - The Bulldogs' Origin trio of Brett Morris, Josh Jackson and David Klemmer have all been named to back up, however Brett Morris took a knock to his knee and is in some doubt. One player I have been impressed by this year is young back rower Adam Elliott who has started to win more minutes and the trust of Coach Des Hasler. Whilst he has a few errors in his game he plays aggressively and confidently, and I expect the Bulldogs to make him a priority over the next couple years.
Penrith Panthers' Scouting Report - In great news for the Panthers, Representative winger Josh Mansour will play his first game this season after tearing his ACL playing for Australia at the end of last season. The Panthers make a big move this week putting captain Matt Moylan in the Number 6 jumper and bringing in the exciting Dylan Edwards to fullback. Edwards has been outstanding in the State Cup and Under 20s for the past 18 months and, with Moylan playing plenty of first and 2nd receiver this season, the move for me seems a natural one which will suit the Panthers. However, the Panthers also have their problems with both Bryce Cartwright and Peter Wallace out with injury, with Mitch Rein finally making his First Grade debut for the Club after wallowing in Reserve Grade all year.
Verdict - Penrith by 1-6
I think Penrith can win this game provided they can match the Bulldogs for intensity and attitude. I still think there is life left in their season and, when I look at their line up compared to the Bulldogs, there seems to be more attacking threat and genuine match winners across the park. However, there is no chance the Panthers will be able to mount another huge 2nd half comeback against a side like the Bulldogs who won't give up a double digit lead. Both these sides should be desperate given they sit just outside the Top 8, so I'm expecting a pretty close game here. With the weather dry in Sydney, I think we will get a nice open game with the Panthers enjoying the daytime conditions and winning by a try or so.