Bulldogs vs Panthers – Round 13, 2017

The most intriguing matchup of the round is saved until last as the stumbling Bulldogs take on the resurging Panthers.

The Panthers have won two in a row and desperately need to build on that momentum in a bid to surge into the top eight. There are several reshuffles in the line up this week, with Dylan Edwards coming into the side at fullback which sees Matt Moylan slot into the halves (following Bryce Cartwright’s injury) to pair with Nathan Cleary. Josh Mansour also comes into the side to strengthen their edge while Mitch Rein comes in for his first game as a Panther.

These changes could prove a handful for the Bulldogs who have lost their last three matches, who welcome back their Origin players in Brett Morris, David Klemmer and Josh Jackson.

A heart-breaking loss last week demoted them to 11th on the ladder – below the Panthers – and Des Hasler will no doubt be preparing them for a more all round performance this week. James Graham has been named despite not finishing the game last week.

The Panthers start as the favourite with both sides desperate for a win with a tough run ahead in the coming weeks.

The changes the Panthers have made could bring about their downfall but we’ll back them in to get the points.

Panthers by 4.