Panthers v Bulldogs preview

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Panthers look to mark 50th anniversary with win over Western Sydney rivals.

Despite going down to the Raiders last week, the Panthers continued to show resilience all the way to the 80th minute. Managing to take the lead early in the second half after trailing by eight just before halftime, new coach Anthony Griffin will have plenty to build upon as Penrith celebrate their 50th anniversary with a clash against their inaugural opponents. With James Segeyrao sustaining a broken arm that will see him miss the next eight weeks, utility Tyrone Peachey will start at hooker with Elijah Taylor coming onto the bench. Following a solid showing against Canberra on debut, James Fisher-Harris retains his place in the squad with Sitaleki Akauola named as 18th man.

Posting a resounding opening round win at Brookvale Oval last Friday, the Bulldogs will be out to post their first win at Penrith since Des Hasler's first game for the club in 2012. With Michael Lichaa set to spend a stint on the sidelines with a knee injury, former Dragons hooker Craig Garvey will make his first appearance for the club. Having injured a hamstring against Manly, former Newcastle lower grader Kerrod Holland will make his NRL debut for the Bulldogs, while David Klemmer returns to first grades after missing Round One through suspension. Following Des Hasler's arrival from the Sea Eagles four years ago, the Bulldogs hold a 4-3 lead over the Panthers and will be looking to consolidate their place at the top of the NRL ladder. 

Last meeting: Round 15 2015 - Bulldogs 24 Panthers 12

Who to watch: Leading the way for the Panthers last week, Will Smith showed considerable skill filling in for Matt Moylan. With the Penrith captain due back next week, expect the replacement fullback to put in another strong performance in order to retain his position in the NRL side. Running for over 100 metres, Smith showed considerable skill with the ball and will have his sights set firmly on delivering the home side a win. 

Thursday night will cap a remarkable rise for Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland as he makes his NRL debut. After spending the first half of 2015 with the Cessnock Goannas in the local Newcastle competition before going on to win the Grand Final with the Knights NSW Cup side, the centre will be looking to repay the faith shown in him by Des Hasler. A member of the 2015 NSW Cup Team of the Year, the 23-year-old will have the Panthers wary of his goal-kicking prowess and ability to find the try-line.

The favourite: Coming off the back of an impressive performance last week, the Bulldogs are expected to make it consecutive wins to start 2016.

My tip: While the home side will be competitive as ever, expect the Bulldogs big men to prove too strong in the end. Bulldogs by 10.

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam McKendry 9. Tyrone Peachey 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. James Fisher-Harris 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Elijah Taylor 20. Sitaleki Akauola 19. Sitaleki Akauola

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Craig Garvey 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Adam Elliot 19. Lloyd Perrett

Referees: Ben Cummins, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Ashley Klein, Bernard Sutton;