Penrith Panthers demolish the Bulldogs to advance into prelim final

The Penrith Panthers have left jaws on the floor after delivering a masterclass display as they put their opponents to the sword on Sunday.

Stephen Crichton (left) is out, replaced by back-up skipper Viliame Kikau (right). NRL PHOTOS

The Panthers delivered a finals masterclass as they crushed the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

Penrith were firing on all cylinders and Canterbury had no answers as they recored the 46-26 victory to book their place in a preliminary final.

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The ruthless display from the Panthers puts the remaining finalists on notice as their quest for a five-peat remains well and truly alive.

The reigning premiers took control of the match from the outset and poured in a staggering six tries in the first half to all but seal the result.

They scored the most points in the first half in finals history dating back to 1980.

It was as ruthless as you’ve ever seen. Photo: NRL Photos / Brett Costello

A five-peat is on the cards. Photo: NRL Photos / Brett Costello

“We’ve not seen anything like it... this is an incredibly half of football and the conductor has been Nathan Cleary,” Greg Alexander said.

“Rugby league perfection,” Warren Smith added.

The only concern for the club out of the contest was a late rib injury to star Liam Martin who hobbled up the tunnel in the dying minutes.

The Panthers will now head north to take on the Brisbane Broncos next Sunday with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs.

Originally published as Penrith Panthers demolish the Bulldogs to advance into prelim final