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Panthers beat the Bulldogs in first half blitz
Nicholas Quinlan • September 21st, 2025 8:45 pm
Penrith are through to their sixth preliminary final in a row, having beaten the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Panthers’ experience in the finals arena proved too much for the Dogs, with Penrith winning 46-26 with six first-half tries.
While the first half may have been dominated by the reigning premiers, it was the Bulldogs who would get off to the perfect start right from their first defensive set, with Viliame Kikau smothering Nathan Cleary’s kick.
That resulted in Dylan Edwards giving away a penalty in the 2nd minute after making an early tackle on Kikau to prevent him from picking up the ball.
SEN League’s Joel Caine was full of praise for the big man’s smother, noting his excellence in this space.
“He is the best charge down merchant we have ever seen!” he exclaimed in the commentary box.
With Matt Burton putting the ball through the sticks to give the Dogs a 2-nil lead, hopes were high among the Canterbury-Bankstown faithful of ending Penrith’s dynasty run.
That optimism, however, was short-lived.
Within five minutes of the penalty goal, the Panthers would take the lead through Brian To’o, who found himself with enough space on the left edge to dive over the line.
That would be followed by Paul Alamoti on the right side, managing to get around four Bulldogs’ players to cross over and increase the lead.
While the Panthers continued to dominate possession and generate chances, the Bulldogs still remained in the game. In the 17th minute, Lachie Galvin set up Jacob Preston to break the defensive line, who then flicked it back for the 20-year-old to score and bring the game within four points.
But from there, it was black and gold dominance.
Tries from Cleary, To’o, Liam Henry and Isaiah Papali’I which were all converted sent the Panthers into a 28-point lead and left Caine wondering if any side would stop them.
“It’s an exhibition,” he declared.
“It’s a track gallop; these Panthers are scaring the life out of all the remaining teams.
“What a clinical performance we are seeing.”
Brett Kimmorley was in complete agreement with Caine.
“They’re just having their way,” he said.
While the Bulldogs would win the second half from a scoring point of view, which kept the game alive, the first half blitz from Penrith was just too much to overcome with Alamoti managing a hat trick with two second half tries to seal the game.
The loss for the Bulldogs now sees their season over in straight sets. It also means that their 10-year finals win drought will extend out for another year, having now lost their last four finals matches.
While it was a great result, Penrith have not come out of the game unscathed.
Liam Martin had to be taken off the field in the 72nd minute with the assistance of medical staff with what appeared to be a rib injury.
The Panthers will now face the Brisbane Broncos in a Grand Final Qualifier at Suncorp Stadium next Sunday afternoon.
