LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In Round 17, the Bulldogs faced a disappointing weekend against the Penrith Panthers, suffering defeats across the NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, and Ron Massey Cup.
The Panthers showcased a dominant performance, leading to a 36-6 victory over the Bulldogs, who currently sit seventh in the standings.
The match began with the Panthers' Billy Phillips breaking through the Bulldogs' defense to assist fullback Daine Laurie in scoring under the posts, giving the Panthers an early 6-nil lead.
The Panthers quickly built on this momentum, with Sommerton delivering a sharp play from dummy-half to set Laurie up for his second try, expanding the lead to 22-nil.
The Bulldogs struggled to keep pace, especially in the first half, where they found themselves trailing 28-nil at halftime.
Despite fielding players with substantial NRL experience, the Bulldogs couldn't answer the Panthers' aggression and skill, as the home team moved to solidify their place in the top five of the competition.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs' Harvey Norman Women's Premiership side is set to start their inaugural NRLW season, with their first match slated for Friday night in Round 18.