Penrith have set a date with the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium next Sunday afternoon after a 36-6 thrashing of Manly at Pepper Stadium in front of more than 15,000 fans.
The victory tonight means the Panthers finish the regular season in sixth position.
From here the Panthers face do-or-die matches, with the Bulldogs the first task next Sunday.
While ANZ Stadium was available to host the game, it’s understood the Panthers chose to take the match to Allianz Stadium to take away what would have been a Canterbury home ground advantage.
Next Sunday’s game will kick-off at 4.10pm with Penrith’s Holden Cup team taking on Cronulla at 1.30pm.
The week one NRL Finals schedule sees:
- 2015 grand finalists the Broncos facing fellow Queensland outfit the Titans on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium;
- Canberra Raiders facing Cronulla at GIO Stadium on Saturday at 5.35pm;
- The Storm hosting last year’s premiers North Queensland at AAMI Park on Saturday night at 7.55pm;
- Penrith taking on the Bulldogs in an all-Sydney derby on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.