Backups edition
>yep we’re early

NRL
>GAME 1
Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers
7:50pm AEST on Fox, Kayo and Ch9
Accor Stadium, Homebush
1.08-8.00
>Round 26 begins with the Bulldogs looking to seal a top four spot by ending an eight-game losing streak against the Panthers. Having climbed into the top four on the back of nine straight wins, the Panthers have had their momentum halted by back-to-back golden point losses to the Raiders and Storm. Now sitting three points outside the top four with two games to play the defending premiers are faced with the prospect of sudden-death footy throughout September if they're to make it five titles in a row. The Bulldogs have also found the going tough in recent weeks with three losses in their past four matches but they finish off the season with two home games at Accor Stadium where the blue and white army will be out in force. After playing a key role in Penrith's 2021-22 premierships as defensive coach, Cameron Ciraldo endured a tough initiation at Belmore in 2023 but he is now into a second straight finals series and has his sights on delivering the club's first premiership since 2004. Josh Curran comes into the starting side for Viliame Kikau, who has been hospitalised with a skin infection. PropHarry Hayes is facing six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury soDaniel Suluka-Fifita has been added to the bench. With the top four out of reach Ivan Cleary has chosen to rest 16 of his frontline players. Back-rower Matt Eisenhuth will captain a side that includes premiership winners Paul Alamoti on the wing and Jack Cole at halfback while back-rower Zac Lipowicz, centres John Fonua and David Fale and bench forward Billy Phillips make their NRL debuts.
Bulldogs 1-12 4.00
Bulldogs 13+ 1.38
Panthers 1-12 9.75
Panthers 13+ 34.00
Bulldogs -19.5 1.82 Panthers +19.5 1.99