Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo's upbeat, despite an 8-6 loss to a resurgent Penrith to open round 17 of league's NRL

Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary scored the match's decisive try, charging down a Matt Burton clearance kick in the second half.

The Bulldogs remain top of the ladder, but could relinquish top spot tonight if Canberra beat Newcastle.

Ciraldo says they'll learn plenty from a game he felt was played at finals intensity.



The Panthers have moved up to sixth after their fourth straight win.

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