CommBank Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 17 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Canterbury Bulldogs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Canterbury Bulldogs game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday June 26, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Where: CommBank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
Panthers Eye Statement Win Against Ladder-Leading Bulldogs
Penrith’s return to the top eight sets the stage for a blockbuster Thursday night showdown against ladder leaders Canterbury at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers snapped a two-game losing streak with a gritty victory over the Warriors in Auckland — a win made more impressive given the absence of their Origin stars, who now return fresh and firing. With Scott Sorensen suspended, Luke Garner retains his place on the bench in an otherwise near full-strength lineup.
The Bulldogs, sitting confidently atop the table, are determined to end a miserable run against Penrith, having lost seven straight to the reigning premiers. Remarkably, they haven’t started as favourites in this clash since 2016. Fresh off the bye, they’re boosted by the return of key Origin players Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Kurt Mann and Max King, who were all unavailable in Round 15.
With both teams close to full strength, this clash looms as a key litmus test — for Penrith’s push to re-establish their dominance, and for Canterbury’s claim as genuine premiership contenders.
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs Tip
We're tipping Canterbury Bulldogs to win at $1.70 odds.
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs Teams
Panthers team: 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
Bulldogs team: 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