Home Grounds: Accor Stadium, Belmore Sports Ground

Coach: Cameron Ciraldo

Celebrating their 90-Year Anniversary, the Club went all-out in honouring the Bulldogs history throughout 2025. The Doggies experienced a rollercoaster campaign as they rose to the top of the ladder in the first half of the year, before things came unstuck in the second half. The Bulldogs were top of the table for three months in 2025, but coach Cameron Ciraldo believed his side couldn't win the competition with the spine he had and made some key changes. The decision to replace halfback Toby Sexton with new, rushed in signing Lachlan Galvin and start Bayley Hayward at hooker may not have resulted in immediate success, but Ciraldo now has the players he believes can deliver a premiership. 

In an unusual turn of events, the Bulldogs held the top position on the ladder for 11 weeks during the mid-season, subsequently opting to modify their team roster which only backfired on them. In one of the biggest stories of the year, the Bulldogs signed Lachlan Galvin from the Tigers, sending a clear message to Toby Sexton, the halfback who got them to the top of the ladder, that they didn't think he was the answer.

Galvin assumed the number seven position, requiring a period of adjustment to the increased pressure and novel operational frameworks, which coincided with a decline in the Bulldogs' standings as they slid down the ladder. The Bulldogs advanced to the finals despite a challenging end to the season, having lost five of their last six matches; their only victory was against a Panthers team that had rested several key players.

The season, which held significant promise, concluded with considerable disappointment as the Panthers, now at full strength, decisively defeated the Dogs 46-26. Many observers believe Galvin is better suited to the five-eighth position than halfback. He was given the opportunity to play five-eighth in the last game, where he delivered his strongest performance for the Bulldogs. His contribution to the team this season is anticipated to be significant, particularly after a full off-season of training and integration with his new teammates.

The Bulldogs' defensive system were unparalleled in the league, outperforming competitors by 45 points and allowing an average of only 17 points per game. Canterbury's offensive strategy, particularly with the outside backs, demonstrated exceptional precision and effectiveness, resulting in a high volume of successful scoring plays. Fullback Connor Tracey, the esteemed captain Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz, Bronson Xerri, and new additions Marcelo Montoya, Enari Tuala, and rookie Jethro Rinakama all contributed to a successful season.

The addition of Kiwi prop Leo Thompson will strengthen a forward pack some considered undersize in 2025, while the Bulldogs have also added exciting young forward Finau Latu from the Dragons. After five years of a rebuilding plan that began with the signing of Matt Burton in 2022, followed by Viliame Kikau in 2023, Stephen Crichton in 2024, Lachlan Galvin in 2025 and now Thompson, 2026 could be the year the Bulldogs finally break through for their first premiership since 2004.      

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 7TH