Jarome Luai of the Panthers playfully referred to Canterbury as “the Penrith Bulldogs” ahead of the upcoming match where he will face off against several of his former teammates now playing for the opposition. Players such as Matt Burton, Jaeman Salmon, Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton, and coach Cameron Ciraldo have all made the move to Belmore since 2022, creating a strong Penrith presence within the Bulldogs team.
Despite the Bulldogs’ improvement under Ciraldo’s leadership, with four wins already in the current season compared to their total wins of the previous year, Luai is determined to ensure they don’t secure a fifth victory when they visit Bluebet Stadium. He emphasized the competitive nature of the sport, stating that on the field, friendships are set aside as the goal is to secure the two points.
As for Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau, this match will mark their first encounter against their former team since departing to join the Bulldogs. While Kikau anticipates a somewhat surreal experience returning to a stadium where he achieved significant success, he is focused on preparing diligently for the game and treating it like any other match, prioritizing the quest for a crucial victory for the Bulldogs.
The upcoming clash promises excitement and a competitive spirit as former teammates become rivals on the field, each aiming to secure a positive outcome for their respective teams.