With players returning from representative duty and a win from an undermanned side that everybody had written off, the Panthers look primed to make a statement on Thursday as they face the top of the table Bulldogs.
The side named against the Warriors last week was without five of its star players, including fullback Dylan Edwards, who were unable to make it to New Zealand in time, instead watching the game like any other fan – at home.
“I’m not really good as a spectator but I’m definitely pleased with how the boys played and the result, it made me happy,” Edwards said.
“I thought our energy and the way we competed from the start was really good. It was important to start well over there against a red-hot Warriors side.
“It wasn’t always perfect, but we stuck up for each other, dug in at times and propelled forward, which was important.”
With players returning it’s vital for the side to keep their winner’s mentality as they face the first placed Bulldogs at makeshift home ground Commbank, bolstered by the inclusion of halfback Nathan Cleary who has been named to play despite a groin complaint.
“It’s important that we play well now, that’s for sure!” Edwards said.
“I’m seeing how well those guys played to help us as a club to get those two points, so we definitely want to come back and play well as well.”
The Bulldogs are littered with former Panthers from club captain Stephen Crichton to coach Cameron Ciraldo and Edwards knows it will take an 80-minute mentality to get the two points over the Dogs.
“Definitely excited to get out there. They are a quality opposition with Kiks, Burto and Critta, they are all key pillars in the Bulldogs side,” Edwards said.
“We spent a few years with those guys here and it’s always a challenge going up against them because of the quality they bring to the side.
“I won’t talk to them too much before the game but after I’ll catch up with them.”
One former Panther who might challenge Edwards is five eighth Matt Burton, known for his ‘Burto bombs’ that terrorise opposition fullbacks.
“He puts them up well and sometimes they’re really tricky to handle,” Edwards said
“I think that comes along with their kick chase and how they compete for the footy as well, but he’s got one of the biggest boots in the game I’ve ever seen.
“It’s not ideal for us if he gets them right but we’ll be trying to prevent him from doing that.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.