Jacob Preston’s hat-trick powered the Canterbury Bulldogs to a convincing 28-4 win over an under-strength Penrith Panthers, sealing a top-four finish for Canterbury for the first time since 2012 and giving them a potential second chance in the finals.
Preston did the bulk of the damage, scoring three of Canterbury’s five tries in a controlled display that outclassed a Penrith side that rested 16 players from round 25’s golden-point loss to the Canberra Raiders. Among the Panthers’ measures to manage the load were five NRL debuts: Zac Lipowicz, Billy Phillips, John Fonua, David Fale and Jaxen Edgar, who was brought on as the 18th man after several teammates were ruled out with concussion.
The Bulldogs’ win carried a sting beyond the scoreboard, as star winger Jacob Kiraz limped off with 20 minutes to go after awkwardly landing on a kick. “It’s a bit swollen in there, so it doesn’t look too good,” Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said post-match when asked about Kiraz’s condition. “Hopefully it’s just a rolled ankle, but he’ll get a scan in the morning.”
Canterbury will head into next week’s clash with Cronulla in the final round of the regular season before gearing up for a qualifying final against either the Canberra Raiders or Melbourne Storm.
The result adds to a run of positive momentum for the Bulldogs this season; they had earlier shown strong form with a 28-20 victory over the Dragons, a win that helped establish their standing as a finals contender. The Panthers, meanwhile, balanced the loss with a strategic rest ahead of the postseason, banking experience for several youngsters and giving fringe players a chance to press their case.
Overall, Canterbury’s performance suggested they’re peaking at the right time, while Penrith’s approach underscored a focus on safeguarding key players for the looming finals run. The upcoming week will reveal how much Kiraz’s injury will affect the Bulldogs’ plans and whether Canterbury can translate this regular-season form into a deep finals push.
Summary: Preston’s three tries powered Canterbury to 28-4 over a rested Penrith, securing a top-four finish and a potential second chance in the finals. Kiraz’s injury adds a worry, but the Bulldogs’ rising form and the Panthers’ load-management strategy set the stage for an intriguing finale to the season.
Commentary and outlook: The Bulldogs appear to be building confidence heading into the playoffs, with the club’s attack clicking and a fresh batch of Panthers debutants gaining experience. If Kiraz’s scan is favorable, Canterbury’s momentum could carry into a high-stakes finals series. The Panthers’ rest-and-develop approach could pay dividends if their rested stars return sharp and match-fit for the knockout rounds.
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