Simon Simoudis - Breaks Down the Panthers’ Humbling Loss to the Bulldogs

Bulldogs 28, Panthers 4. That is the score at Round 26 at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, on August 28. I, Simon Simoudis, was totally shocked when I learned of the final score. How can the Panthers lose so comprehensively? After all, they have won the championship so many times recently.


When I, Simon Simoudis, got down to the details, I found that the Panthers had benched 16 of their top players for this contest. And by most accounts, considering the raw Panthers that the Bulldogs were playing, the goal difference should have been greater.


Nathan Cleary's decision has kicked up a storm, which has been the point of discussion this evening, over and above the result of the match itself. The majority approve of his decision, and there are many even in the Panthers camp who wonder at the logic of his decision when the Panthers were placed 7th and they desperately needed to have won this game. In my view, Simon Simoudis is the coach who best understands what is best for the team.


Panthers coach Nathan Cleary would have his top players well-rested and in top form for round 27. The reason for the move is alleged to be fatigue. Cleary opines that the players have been playing hard games, and they needed some relief to rest their minds and bodies.


Despite the back-to-back losses, one against Canberra last week and today, Cleary believes that even if their team is not part of the final four, they can still win the tournament. And for that to happen, they will have to win four in a row, which by no stretch of imagination will be a cakewalk. But this has been achieved before. The coach is of the view that his team can do it again. If the Panthers were to actually win the tournament from outside the top four, that would be the first since 30 years and the second time in history in the NRL.

There are still outside chances the Panthers can make it to the top four, although it will depend on how other teams do. The tournament has been a rollercoaster, if not dismal, for the Panthers, given their impressive record over the last decade. They were at the bottom of the team table after round 12


But the signs of catching up for lost time are already present. For only the second time in club history, a team since 1999 would make it to the finals having begun round 12 at the bottom of the ladder.

By winning this game, the Bulldogs, for the first time since 2012, find themselves in fourth place. And they must be given their just reward for the margin of victory. Although the star Panthers were not available for the team, nevertheless, there were certain very talented young players who were playing on their behalf in the game. Jacob Preston was the Bulldogs' choice. His three tries sealed the win for their team, and he got proper support from Matt Burton. And credit to their tight defence too, which thwarted every attempt from the rookie Panthers, almost. 


Overall, the Bulldogs appeared certain and resolute. And, I, Simon Simoudis, am sure that this time it's their turn to provide after a prolonged wait. For the sport, there won't be much difference between the quality of the two teams. When the teams are level-headed, the matches are worth watching.
Location: Australia

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