Round 5: Bulldogs v Panthers preview
While the Bulldogs were not expected to win last week's game against the Storm, it was still a chance to prove that they were heading in the right direction - that there was reason for optimism.
Instead, a 44-0 drubbing showed just how Trent Barrett's men have to go before truly turning a corner.
Most glaring was the hole at halfback, with Matt Burton alone not the answer despite his obvious potential.
The former Panthers playmaker, along with Josh Addo-Carr, was the face of a new era at Belmore but he himself is still developing and learning at NRL level.
Barrett has opted to give Kyle Flanagan another go in the halves, a move that on paper makes sense.
Without a recognized halfback next to him, Burton has struggled to unleash the same running game that made him such a threat at Penrith, instead reduced to a repetitive kicking machine.
The hope for Bulldogs fans is that, while Flanagan has not always been convincing at NRL level, at least his long-range kicking game will ease the pressure on Burton and free him up to take the line on.
Barrett will certainly need Burton to be at his best if the Bulldogs are to cause a boilover against the undefeated defending premiers.
Burton, along with Brent Naden and Tevita Pangai Jr, left the Panthers at the end of last year to join the Belmore revolution and will have added motivation this week.
Penrith though has refused to let those losses impact its stunning rise, winning four-straight to remain the only undefeated team left in the league.
The Panthers cruised past the Rabbitohs last week in a performance made only more impressive by the fact that returning halfback Nathan Cleary was quiet by his own lofty standards.
Penrith rarely looked troubled in that game and outside of complacency, should have far too many weapons in attack for a Bulldogs side still searching for its identity.
Coach IvaN Cleary will be reminding his troops of their clash with Newcastle a fortnight ago as an example of just what can happen if they ease the intensity.
On that afternoon, while the Panthers emerged victorious, they had concerning defensive lapses once the Knights were reduced to 12 men.
Last meeting: Round 12 2021 - Panthers 30 Bulldogs 4
Who to watch: If there is anyone who can inspire an upset for the Bulldogs this week, it is former Panther Matt Burton. The Dubbo product has a lethal step and turn off pace that could pose problems for Penrith. Although, the issue for Burton is that his former teammates know his game so well they may be expecting it. That could work in Burton's favour though if the Panthers put too much of a focus on him in defence, leaving his teammates open on the edges. As potent as Izack Tago and Taylan May have been in attack, both are relatively inexperienced and Tago has been guilty of rushing in on occasions, leaving his winger exposed. If Burton is able to attract Tago to come in, it could open up space for the Bulldogs to exploit on Penrith's left edge.
For the Panthers, keep an eye on Dally M leader Isaah Yeo. While Dylan Edwards may have been unlucky to miss out on three points against South Sydney, Yeo has undoubtedly been Penrith's standout performer in the opening weeks of the season. Halfback Cleary has been missed but Yeo's ball-playing in the middle proved crucial in his absence. Even last week with Cleary back on the field, Yeo still took on extra responsibility, getting his hands on the ball to provide that linking pass in sweeping plays. The lock forward's short, crisp passes in the middle of the ruck could allow the likes of Apisai Koroisau and Dylan Edwards to cause havoc.
The favourite: The Panthers are overwhelming favourites to run away big winners.
My tip: Penrith should do this easily but that in itself is a danger. Facing up against their former teammates and with a point to prove after last week's humiliation, the Bulldogs will pose a challenge early on. Should the Panthers nab a few early tries, it will be a matter of how many. But I have a sneaky feeling this will be closer than most expect. Panthers by 8.
