Stat Attack: Panthers v Bulldogs

The Panthers produced a professional performance to defeat the Bulldogs 24-10 at CommBank Stadium, completing 38 of 41 sets to secure their 17th win of the season and return to the top of the NRL ladder.

Dylan Edwards was again a standout at the back, running for 262 metres from 32 carries and breaking eight tackles. The fullback also provided a try assist and a line break assist as the Panthers controlled the contest through strong yardage and disciplined attack.

Liam Martin was another major attacking threat, scoring two tries and adding a line break, 35 tackles and 105 metres from 13 carries. His second try came from a Nathan Cleary bomb early in the second half, with Martin pouncing on the loose ball to extend the Panthers lead.

Cleary was influential with both his boot and ball-playing, finishing with 726 kicking metres, a try assist and a line break. He also converted all three tries and added three penalty goals for a personal tally of 12 points.

Tom Jenkins provided plenty of punch on the wing, recording 180 metres from 24 carries, six tackle breaks and a line break, while Brian To’o made 202 metres from 21 runs and broke five tackles.

Casey McLean capped off the victory with a crucial second-half try, finishing with 136 metres from 17 carries, a line break and a line break assist. Jack Cole also contributed a try assist and line break assist as the attack continued to find ways through the Bulldogs defence.

Defensively, Lindsay Smith led the way with 38 tackles, followed by Freddy Lussick, Liam Martin and Liam Henry with 35 each. Isaiah Papali’i added 33 tackles, while Billy Phillips made 29 as the Panthers kept the Bulldogs to just 10 points.

A 92.7 per cent completion rate, three tries and a committed defensive effort ensured the Panthers maintained control throughout the contest and claimed a valuable two points in the run home.

TRIES

• Liam Martin 7'
• Liam Martin 43'
• Casey McLean 66'

GOALS

• Nathan Cleary 8'
• Nathan Cleary 44'
• Nathan Cleary 67'

PENALTY GOALS

• Nathan Cleary 39'
• Nathan Cleary 54'
• Nathan Cleary 64'

RUN METRES

• Dylan Edwards: 262m (32 runs)
• Brian To'o: 202m (21 runs)
• Tom Jenkins: 180m (24 runs)
• Casey McLean: 136m (17 runs)
• Isaiah Papali'i: 131m (16 runs)
• Liam Henry: 128m (14 runs)

TRY ASSISTS

• Dylan Edwards: 1
• Jack Cole: 1
• Nathan Cleary: 1

LINE BREAKS

• Casey McLean: 1
• Tom Jenkins: 1
• Nathan Cleary: 1
• Liam Martin: 1

LINE BREAK ASSISTS

• Casey McLean: 1
• Dylan Edwards: 1
• Jack Cole: 1
• Moses Leota: 1

TACKLES

• Lindsay Smith: 38
• Freddy Lussick: 35
• Liam Martin: 35
• Liam Henry: 35
• Isaiah Papali'i: 33
• Billy Phillips: 29
• Moses Leota: 26
• Jack Cole: 25

TACKLE BREAKS

• Dylan Edwards: 8
• Tom Jenkins: 6
• Brian To'o: 5

KICKING METRES

• Nathan Cleary: 726m