Overview

• Penrith defeated Canterbury-Bankstown in the NRL semi-final on Sunday at Accor Stadium to advance to a preliminary final against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
• The Panthers produced six tries in the opening 40 minutes with perfect completion, overwhelming the Bulldogs after an even start.
• Late team updates saw Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney start with Stephen Crichton ruled out after a failed fitness test, while Mitch Kenny returned at hooker for Penrith and Moses Leota marked his 200th NRL game.
• A crowd expected to exceed 80,000 turned out in Homebush for the high-profile finals clash.
• The result extends Penrith’s pursuit of an unprecedented fifth straight premiership after a resurgent season, while the Bulldogs exit following a late-season dip and a qualifying loss to Melbourne.