Panthers v Bulldogs preview

v BYE at

Big Cats and Dogs clash to stay alive in 2016

Twelve months ago the Panthers were coming off a win that saw them avoid the wooden spoon. On Sunday afternoon the men in black will contest a final to keep their premiership hopes alive. In the space of a year the change in fortune for the Panthers has seen dramatic results, with the likes of Jamie Soward, James Segeyaro and Elijah Taylor shown the door and the emergence of young stars Nathan Cleary and James Fisher-Harris. Under the guidance of former Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin, the Panthers come into the finals with seven wins from their past eight matches, the only loss coming in extra time, while their attacking prowess will be of great concern for all who oppose them in the hunt for the second of October. Fielding the same squad that dominated the Sea Eagles last Sunday night, rookie prop Moses Leota has been named 18th man for the clash with Canterbury. Beaten after the siren by Canterbury back in Round 2, Penrith will be out vengeance as they fight to secure a Semi Final against the loser of the Sharks v Raiders clash.

Of all the sides featuring in the finals, few boast a reputation quite like the Bulldogs. Through decades of dominance in the 1980s and 90s, the esteem in which Canterbury is held will be sure to offset the troubling form Des Hasler's side brings into Sunday's clash. Blowing a chance to finish in the top four as a result of three straight losses, the Bulldogs will be looking to conjure memories of their 2014 premiership assault that saw them reach the decider from seventh position. Having been embarrassed by South Sydney last Friday, the Blue and Whites will be hoping the additional recovery time proves beneficial, while the return of game-breaker Sam Kasiano will play a major role in determining the final result. Heavily publicised throughout the week, fullback William Hopoate will not take part in Sunday's clash due to religious reasons, forcing Brett Morris to shift to fullback and Tyrone Phillips to come onto the wing for his first appearance in the NRL since Round 12.

Last meeting: Round 2 2016 - Panthers 16 Bulldogs 18

Last Finals Meeting: Preliminary Final 2014 - Panthers 12 Bulldogs 18

Who to watch: Facing off against his former club for the first time, Panthers enforcer Leilani Latu will be eager to send the Bulldogs packing on Sunday afternoon. Enduring a horror run with injuries during his time at Canterbury, Latu has gone from strength to strength since debuting at the back end of last season, representing the Indigenous All Stars, City Origin and establishing himself as a starting prop. More than a hard-running front-rower, the 23-year-old possesses a rare passing game that will be sure to worry the Bulldogs, while his combination alongside fellow bookend Suaia Matagi should ensure the likes of Moylan, Cartwright and Cleary have an effective platform to work off of.

Returning to the fullback position for the first time since the Semi Final loss to the Roosters last season, Brett Morris may prove to provide the attacking spark needed to revitalise the Bulldogs attack. With William Hopoate sitting out the match through religious commitments, the representative flyer will be looking to make the most of his shift to the back as Canterbury fight to keep their 2016 campaign alive. Crossing for ten tries in as many games this season, Morris will understand the importance of the occasion on Sunday and be eager to ensure the Blue and Whites bounce back after a string of disappointing performances.

The favourite: In form at the right time of the year, the Panthers are expected to continue their resurgence under Anthony Griffin.

My tip: While the Bulldogs are renown for their ability to step up in big games, the irresistible form of Penrith should ensure the men in black live to fight another week. Panthers by 10.

Outcome: The winner of the Second Elimination Final will travel away to contest the loser of the Canberra v Cronulla match.

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zak Hardaker

1. Brett Morris 2. Tyrone Phillips 3. Josh Morris 4. Sam Perrett 5. Curtis Rona 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. Tony Williams 17. Danny Fualalo

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Russell Turner; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson