Saturday, ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm
Referee: Jared Maxwell
Penrith should have been kicking themselves for several days after their loss to Parramatta last weekend. The Eels did find flashes of their best form to score the next 22 points after trailing 14-6, but the Panthers lost some intensity at a critical stage of the game and that contributed significantly to the loss. There is not a lot between the Panthers and the Bulldogs. They are both mid-range teams who are fighting to sneak into the finals. There is probably not enough room for both of them and it would not be a surprise if both missed out. That is why a game like this when they play each other is so critical to their finals chances. Neither team can really afford to be giving up points to the other.
The Bulldogs had the bye last weekend. The week before that, they rushed to a 10-0 lead on the road against Manly, but the Sea Eagles scored the next 30 points. There is every chance this will be a high-scoring game, because both teams have defensive problems and the ability to pour on points when the opposition isn't presenting a stiff line.
Late mail
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has added Gary Warburton to his squad to play the Panthers in case Sonny Bill Williams or Ben Roberts are injured playing for the Kiwis.
Penrith coach Matt Elliott will also be sweating on the fitness of two Test players, Petero Civoniceva and Frank Pritchard. "We've had a couple of lumps and bumps across the team but nothing that's going to kill us," Elliott said.
BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Tim Winitana, Cameron Phelps, Matt Utai, Ben Roberts, Daniel Holdsworth, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Chris Armit, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (capt), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Lee Te Maari, Nick Kouparitsas, Justin Tsoulos, Michael Sullivan, Gary Warburton (one to be omitted)
PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Michael Gordon, Maurice Blair, Jarrod Sammut, Tony Puletua, Luke Priddis, Petero Civoniceva, Frank Pritchard, Luke Lewis, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Paul Aiton, Trent Waterhouse, Joseph Paulo, Frank Puletua, Junior Moors, Matthew Bell (two to be omitted)
