The Canterbury Bulldogs take on the Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium on Thursday night, with the Bulldogs hoping to cause a huge upset over the undefeated Panthers.

Canterbury has lost their last two games in a row, losing by eight points to the Rabbitohs on Good Friday.

Meanwhile, Penrith scored a historic 50 points on the Melbourne Storm in a forty-point win, and will be eager to continue their dominant start to the season.

Penrith have controlled this matchup, winning four of the past five times these clubs played each other, with the Bulldogs only beating Penrith when they rested their first-grade side two weeks before the finals last season.

For the Bulldogs, Bronson Xerri returns to the starting lineup for the first time since the Las Vegas season opener, replacing captain Stephen Crichton, who suffered a Grade 5 AC Joint injury against the Rabbitohs. 

The Panthers squad remains unchanged from their big victory against the Storm, with the exception being Mitch Kenny returning to his dummy half spot after being suspended for one week.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this semi-finals rematch, check out our Bulldogs vs Panthers tips and predictions below.

Bulldogs vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Round 6 will start fiery with the Bulldogs hosting the Panthers at Accor Stadium.

The Bulldogs are hoping to do something that feels impossible, beating the Penrith Panthers, who have not lost a game this season, and who have scored 40 points or more for the last three weeks. 

Penrith will hope to continue their perfect start after making a huge statement to the rugby league world against the Melbourne Storm. 

A lot of critics and fans have had a lot to say about the Bulldogs in recent weeks, with their lineups and mid-game adjustments. 

Despite recent games indicating the Bulldogs can put up a fight against Penrith, we’ll be taking the resurged Panthers here, who don’t look like they’re slowing down.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Thomas Jenkins has been a try-scoring freak this season, who has scored two tries or more in the first five games so far this season.

Against a weaker defensive Bulldogs outfit, expect the Panthers to attack the Dogs' right edge defensively, setting up their one-two punch of Jenkins and Casey McLean.

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins. 

Over/Under Prediction

Penrith Panthers have gone over the total match points line in their last two games.

Betting tip: Over (46.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Penrith Panthers have gone over this line in all of their games this season.

Betting tip: Panthers (-16.5) line.

Bulldogs vs Panthers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Jacob Kiraz

Jacob Kiraz has scored a try in Canterbury's last three home matches.

Jacob Preston

Jacob Preston has scored a try in Canterbury's last three matches against the Panthers.

Thomas Jenkins

Thomas Jenkins has scored one try in his last nine appearances when the Panthers play on the road.

Casey McLean

Casey McLean has scored one try in seven of Penrith’s last eight matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Bulldogs vs Panthers Teams

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Enari Tuala

4. Bronson Xerri

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Samuel Hughes

11. Viliame Kikau (c)

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Sitili Tupouniua

16. Harry Hayes

17. Sean O'Sullivan

19. Jake Turpin

Penrith Panthers Team List

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins 

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Casey McLean 

5. Brian To’o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith 

11. Isaiah Papali’i 

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Jack Cogger

15. Billy Phillips 

16. Scott Sorensen

17. Luke Garner

18. Izack Tago

Bulldogs vs Panthers Match Details

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEDT.

Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney.