Overview

• Nathan Cleary’s second-half charge-down of Matt Burton’s kick led to the only try of the period and secured the Panthers’ victory.
• The result extended Penrith’s winning streak to four matches and marked their first appearance in the top eight this season.
• Daniel Suluka-Fifita was ruled out with a first-tackle concussion, leaving the Bulldogs with 16 players in a game defined by staunch defence.
• Canterbury’s loss snapped their run at the top of the ladder and risks dropping them further if other clubs win later in the round.
• The Bulldogs’ attempt to deploy five playmakers, including new signing Lachlan Galvin, has created role confusion and hindered their attacking fluency.