The Penrith Panthers will host the Canterbury Bulldogs in a crucial clash at CommBank Stadium on Friday night. 

The Panthers remain second on the ladder after their 22-14 win over the Storm last Thursday and will edge closer to securing a home qualifying final with another two premiership points this weekend. 

Meanwhile, the Dogs kept their season alive with a 44-14 win over the Dragons last weekend but sit two points outside the top eight entering Round 26. 

Penrith has named Jack Cole at five-eighth to replace the suspended Jack Cogger, who will serve a three-match ban. Blaize Talagi and Jaxen Edgar have been added to the extended interchange. 

Enari Tuala is back for the Dogs, with Jonathan Sua dropping out, while Jack Underhill replaces the injured Kurt Mann on the bench. 

The Dogs handed the Panthers their first loss of the season with a 32-16 victory back in Round 6, can Ciraldo do the double over his former mentor Ivan Cleary? 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this must win match, check out our Panthers vs Bulldogs tips and predictions below!

Panthers vs Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

This is one of the most intriguing matches of NRL Round 26. The Panthers are level with the Warriors at the top of the table and trail only on points differential (+294 vs +295), meaning every match is a must win in the race for the minor premiership. 

The Bulldogs meanwhile have been all over the place this year and currently sit 9th.

They’ve shown genuine intent in recent weeks, most notably in their demolition of the Dragons last start. 

However, they could be without Jonathan Sua, who faces a one-game ban. 

Penrith also have a judiciary concern: Jack Cogger faces a three-match ban, which will meddle with their combinations in the middle of the park. 

Still, Penrith at home, chasing top-of-the-ladder bragging rights, should take care of business.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

A prop for first try score!? Stay with us. Liam Henry has scored a try in three of Penrith's last five matches and sometimes form, and momentum supersedes any position of prowess. 

Betting tip: Liam Henry.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Canterbury's last five matches as an underdog have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 40.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

Canterbury has failed to cover the line in each of their last eight matches at CommBank Stadium.

Betting tip: Panthers (-9.5) line. 

Panthers vs Bulldogs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jacob Kiraz

Jacob Kiraz has scored at least one try in each of Canterbury's last five away matches against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Casey McLean

Casey McLean has scored at least one try in each of his last four Friday appearances at CommBank Stadium.

Jacob Preston

Jacob Preston has scored at least one try in each of Canterbury's last four matches against Penrith.

Dylan Edwards

Dylan Edwards has scored at least one try in each of his last four Friday appearances at CommBank Stadium.

Panthers vs Bulldogs Teams 

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Izack Tago

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To'o

6. Jack Cole

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Liam Henry

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Lindsay Smith

14. Billy Scott

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Luke Garner

17. Billy Phillips

18. Blaize Talagi

19. Jaxen Edgar

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List 

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Matt Burton

4. Bronson Xerri

5. Enari Tuala

6. Stephen Crichton (c)

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Leo Thompson

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston 

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Jake Turpin

15. Alekolasimi Jones

16. Harry Hayes

17. Josh Curran

18. Sean O'Sullivan

19. Jack Underhill

Panthers vs Bulldogs Match Details 

Date: Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.