LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
NRL Round 17 Match Preview: Thursday Night Thriller
The Bulldogs are currently in first place, coming off a bye and looking to secure their first Minor Premiership since 2012, when they reached the Grand Final but were defeated by the Storm.
The team's attack has been bolstered by the addition of Lachlan Galvin, providing a range of options to challenge the Panthers' defense, which has been underperforming this season, allowing 22 points per game compared to just 15 points per game last season during their championship run.
A crucial moment in the Panthers' season occurred when they secured a win in Auckland despite the absence of five Origin players.
This victory has propelled them to eighth place ahead of the highly anticipated showdown with the Bulldogs.
Following this match, the Panthers have a bye in Round 18, followed by five upcoming games against teams that currently sit below them on the ladder, including the Eels, Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers, Titans, and Knights.