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Sport Nation
Bulldogs name selection shock ahead of Panthers' do-or-die clash
Sam Kosack • September 16th, 2025 6:31 pm
The Bulldogs have named Stephen Crichton on their extended bench as the Bulldogs’ captain attempts to overcome a foot injury.
Crichton was forced from the field in the 20th minute of the Bulldogs qualifying final against the Storm with what has been described as a “ligament injury” and there were fears his season was over.
A season-ending injury to Crichton would be a major blow for the Bulldogs’ premiership campaign, but shockingly, the centre has been named in jersey 23 and will be given every chance to play in the elimination final against the Panthers.
Matt Burton has been named at centre with the absence of Crichton and Enari Tuala, whose season is also over with a fractured tibia.
Bronson Xerri returns to fill the other centre void, meaning Lachlan Galvin and Toby Sexton will line up in the halves for the Bulldogs.
Marcelo Montoya has also been named among the extended bench and is a chance to join the starting line-up.
Dropped hooker Reed Mahoney also returns via the bench, with Bailey Hayward keeping the starting hooker role despite missing 14 tackles in the final against Melbourne.
The Panthers have also named hooker Mitch Kenny among the extended bench as he looks to return from a hamstring injury.
The Panthers are looking to continue on their advance towards a fifth straight premiership, while the Bulldogs are hoping to avoid going out in straight sets.
