The penultimate round of NRL action is here and with just two rounds remaining, the Finals picture is beginning to take shape. A blockbuster match begins this round as the Bulldogs host the Panthers in a preview of what is ahead in September. Both teams are coming off agonising losses the week prior and will be desperate to bounce back to winning form; an exhilarating contest awaits. Before You Bet is here to help make sense of it all with a comprehensive look at what is ahead.
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Bulldogs vs Panthers Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 26 2025
Competitive and determined
While the result in last week’s match went against the Bulldogs, there are plenty of positive signs in their 20-14 road loss to the Storm. Overcoming a 12-nil HT deficit, they were gritty in their fightback and tried hard towards the end of the game to steal the result. While having a 54% share of possession, they completed at just 79% and averaged only 7.8m per carry. They were also unable to convert their 10 line breaks into more points. They will learn from that performance though and should only be better moving forward.
Better for that result (again)
It was a second consecutive Golden Point loss for the Panthers last week, this time at the hands of the Raiders, with the competition leaders scoring a length of the field try to close out the match. Again, they dominated most areas in the contest but could not seal a victory. It was made harder with just a 47% share of possession, but an 84% completion rate worked hard to combat this. Averaging 9.5m per carry also gave them momentum. The problem was they allowed the same, as well as 728PCM’s and 5 line breaks. For the second week in a row, they should be better for such a result and this only spells trouble for the rest of the competition.
Stats that matter
* Including their Round 17 8-6 victory over the Bulldogs, the Panthers have won 8 straight against the Bulldogs.
* The average margin of victory in the past 5 matches is 13.2 points but 3 games have been decided by 12 points or less.
* The Panthers have the edge in attack, scoring 24ppg compared to the Bulldogs 22ppg. The Bulldogs are the superior defensive team though, allowing just 17ppg compared to the Panthers 19ppg.
Different Quality
This game has been dramatically impacted by the teams which were named. Only an outside chance of making the Top 4 and comfortably inside the Top 8, the Panthers have taken the liberty to rest 16 players. While giving opportunities to younger players, it has dramatically reduced their ability to win this match and the odds reflect this.
Essentially, it is the Bulldogs game to lose.
If they cannot win a match like this, with the Finals so close, against an understrength team and with a spot in the Top 4 to play for, they do not deserve to be in this situation. The challenge becomes finding value in selecting the home team to be victorious. That has quickly disappeared and rightly so; 6 debutants and a large turnover of players justifies the price. Be wary of the Panthers depth; while it may not be enough to win this game, it may keep things tighter for longer than expected. The safer option is for the Bulldogs to win by 13+ ($1.38) with a larger stake as the line is too much to take on with confidence. To return greater value, use the points spread to your advantage. The average total in their past 5 games is 38.8 points and with a lot of quality missing, it is likely to stay under the line offered.
Total Points Under 44.5
$1.90 (2 units)
Bulldogs vs Panthers Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Bulldogs 13+ - see above for justification of this bet.
Leg 2 = Preston to score – ranked equal second for tries this season for the Bulldogs, Preston is all effort in matches and will be chasing every kick and hitting an edge hard with great ball running.
Leg 3 = Burton to score – despite only scoring 4 tries this season, the changed defensive structure will give Burton greater opportunities. A noted runner of the ball, he is likely to take full advantage of this and build on his season tally.
SGM Odds = $8.50 at Dabble
Bulldogs vs Panthers Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 28th August
Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Bulldogs ($1.08) vs Panthers ($8.50)
Line: Bulldogs -21.5
Points: 44.5
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Where to Watch Bulldogs vs Panthers
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