NRL Round 17: Panthers vs Bulldogs could cement a changing of the SuperCoach orthodoxy
In the past few seasons any story that began referencing the defensive powerhouse sitting clear at the top of the NRL table would have been about the Panthers.
Not so in 2025, where it is the Bulldogs in first place for competition points and also for 'points against.'
The stingiest defence in the league has been particularly adroit at limiting the impact of halves in 2025 and this makes Nathan Cleary - who, after getting through the captain's run, is expected to push through his groin injury and play, though not kick goals - a questionable 'play' this week for SuperCoaches.
Conversely, the man who can be deployed without fear is Jacob Kiraz.
This confidence remains despite a significant improvement in Penrith's defensive resolve.
After starting the season is horrible defensive touch - the Panthers conceded an average of 28 points per game over their opening six matches - Penrith have conceded just 17.5 points per match over their last six.
However, Kiraz does not need tries to deliver for SuperCoaches.
The Bulldog's winger leads the league in offloads per game (averaging 3.5 per game) and averages better than five tackle busts per game too.
Kiraz has failed to cross the stripe in his past three games, and yet he has averaged better than 80PPG over that span.
The second-most popular buy of the round, Kiraz is a sneaky VC option as he averages 115PPG in those games where he has scored a try this year.
Having fought their way back into the top-eight after a terrible start to the season the Panthers will be desperate to win this match, but the stats suggest they'll fall short here on their 'home' turf at CommBank Stadium.
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