The opening game of NRL action this weekend is a blockbuster contest between the Bulldogs and Panthers. A possible preview of what lies ahead in the Finals, the intensity of this contest is expected to be high. Fans benefit from this with an exhilarating contest expected.
Panthers vs Bulldogs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 17
Are the Panthers on the rise?
A young Panthers team – minus their Origin stars – headed across to New Zealand to play the Warriors. As the underdog, they prevailed impressively 28-18. It was a warning sign that this team is improving. They controlled possession (55%) which covered for their poor completion rate (73%); their 9.8m per carry was damaging, leading to 6 line breaks. With key players still to return, there is no doubt that they will improve on that effort. Another tough test awaits and as they sit in 8th position, they will want to keep their momentum going.
Time for the Bulldogs to prove a point
It was a well-deserved week off for the Bulldogs last week. Prior to that – minus their Origin stars – did enough in Round 15 to defeat the Rabbitohs 24-18. Jumping to an 18-nil lead inside 16 minutes, it was appearing as though they would run away with the contest. Their opponents slowly worked their way back into the match, but the Bulldogs defence remained strong. It was pleasing to see them complete at 83% with 56% possession, make almost 700m more, dominate PCM’s and create 6 line breaks. They also only missed 22 tackles, performing as expected for a team leading the competition.
Stats that matter
Too Close to Call
The return of 4 Origin stars for each side strengthens the quality they possess. The biggest question mark is the fifth player for the Panthers; Cleary has been named at halfback, and they are confident he will take his place. If he does feature, the momentum strongly swings back to the home side. The Bulldogs are a quality team though and have overcome several challenges already this season. This is their toughest to date. For what it’s worth, there is a slight lean towards the Panthers, simply because they appear to be hitting form at the right time. For an investment though, the smarter option is to take either team to win by a narrow margin. The season averages suggest it will be decided by less than a converted try.
Either Team by 6.5 Points or Less
$2.70 (1.5 Units)
Panthers vs Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total Points Under 46.5 – the average total points scored in the past 5 matches between these two sides is 42.8. This game is expected to be tight and low scoring, with two terrific defences facing off against one another.
Leg 2 = Talagi to score – he has scored in 40% of matches this season and 2 tries in the past 4 weeks. Growing in confidence, he is proven a hard man for opponents to stop, especially as he improves his running game.
Leg 3 = Preston to score – scoring 3 tries in the past 4 matches, Preston didn’t cross the tryline last week. He will again be a threat for the Bulldogs as he looks to build on his tally of 5 tries for the season.
Panthers vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info
Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Odds: Panthers $2.10 vs Bulldogs $1.73
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Where to Watch Panthers vs Bulldogs
Watch the Panthers vs Bulldogs match live on Channel 9 as well as ad free on Kayo Sports.
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