2025 Preview: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

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Rob Crosby looks ahead at what the Belmore boys have to look forward to in 2025.

Backing up the taste of success

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will face the pressure of expectation as they strive to continue their resurgence in 2025.

Capturing the hearts and minds of the rugby faithful with a return to the finals after an eight-year absence in 2024, the Bulldogs defied all expectations to finish in sixth position only to bow out in heartbreaking circumstances in front of a 50,000 strong home final crowd.   

Heading into his third season as the helm of the club, coach Cameron Ciraldo will be aiming to build on the success of using a smaller and mobile forward pack while being aware of the pitfalls of failing to back up a finals appearance based on his experience with Penrith a decade ago 

Continuing to overhaul the roster with Josh Addo-Carr headlining a host of departures, returning outside back Marcelo Montoya will vie for the vacant wing position alongside Enari Tuala, while the side's forward stocks have been strengthened with Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone coming on board.

The Bulldogs will begin their 90th anniversary with a Saturday twilight local derby against the Dragons at Kogarah.

Why they'll win it

The strides made over the last year - going from the bottom four to a home final - should serve the Bulldogs well to continue their ascent up the premiership ladder.

Implementing a distinct playing style drawing on the strengths of a forward pack prioritising mobility over size, the leadership of captain Stephen Crichton should hold the side in good stead to turn the pain of falling short at the business end of last season into better things.

With Phil Gould and Ciraldo beginning to reap the rewards of investing in junior talent, as seen by back-to-back Jersey Flegg titles, there's every reason for blue and white supporters to believe a stronger and more experienced roster can deliver success in 2025.

Why they won't

History is littered with examples of teams that have come from nowhere to hit great heights only to wilt under the weight of expectation twelve months later.

With the likes of Canberra (2008), Parramatta (2009), Sydney (2010) and Brisbane (2023) riding waves of momentum only for their boom to bust the following year, the most prescient case for Ciraldo and Gould to take note of can be seen in Penrith's fall from a top four finish to facing a spoon bowl a decade ago.

No one expected the Bulldogs to play finals football last year - but every team will be on high alert when facing off against the blue and whites in 2025.

If the Bulldogs fail to adapt to their newfound status and expect the same results that reaped rewards last season, they may find themselves back in the dog house when September comes around.

2025 fixture list

Beginning 2025 with a highly anticipated local derby against St George Illawarra at Kogarah, the Bulldogs will be banking on a fast start with ten matches against bottom eight teams and three byes during the first 16 rounds.

Drawn to play prior to all three State of Origin fixtures, the side will travel outside of Sydney only five times all year, including a three-game stretch to Brisbane (twice) and Canberra as April turns into May.

Facing a tough run home with seven of their final 11 matches against incumbent top eight teams, the Bulldogs will close out the home-and-away season against all four of last year's preliminary finalists.

Key player

Coming into a season that may shape the trajectory of his career, Toby Sexton will be determined to back up his breakout year and prove he has what it takes to be a long-term playmaker.

Beginning 2024 in reserve grade before playing an integral role in the side's drought-breaking run to the finals with ten wins from 15 appearances at starting halfback, the 23-year-old Queenslander will face a new challenge in trying to maintain his strong form for the entirety of a season.

Having a hand in 12 try-assists, 15 forced restarts and holding his own with a 90% tackle efficiency, the threat posed by a number of young pups vying for an opportunity means Sexton's hold on the number seven jersey is far from secure.

Set to start the season in the top grade for only the second time in his career, a dominant campaign could see the off-contract playmaker secure the biggest payday of his career - if he can stand up to the pressure.

Rookies to watch

Touted as a star of the future after helping NSW to victory in last year's Under 19s State of Origin encounter, Mitchell Woods will be putting his hand up to make the number seven jersey his own. Moving into the Top 30 roster after being part of last year's Jersey Flegg premiership winning squad, the 18-year-old is seen as long-term prospect after shunning interest from rival codes to secure his future at Belmore until the end of 2027.

Denied the chance to crack the top grade last season through an ill-timed run of injuries, middle forward Jack Todd will be hoping to make up for lost time, while Joseph O'Neill be looking to press his claims for a debut after leading the Bulldogs to a Jersey Flegg title in 2023 and guiding the NSW Cup side in the halves last season. 

Player movements

IN: Tom Amone (Leigh), Sitili Tupouniua (Sydney), Marcelo Montoya, Zyon Maiu'u (Warriors), Enari Tuala (Newcastle)

TOP 30: Bailey Hayward, Blake Taaffe, Blake Wilson, Bronson Xerri, Connor Tracey, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Drew Hutchison, Enari Tuala, Harry Hayes, Jack Todd, Jacob Kiraz, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Jake Turpin, Josh Curran, Karl Oloapu, Kurt Mann, Kurtis Morrin, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, Max King, Mitchell Woods, Reed Mahoney, Ryan Sutton, Sam Hughes, Sitili Tupouniua, Stephen Crichton, Toby Sexton, Tom Amone, Viliame Kikau, Zyon Maiu'u

OUT: Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), Josh Addo-Carr, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Kitione Kautoga (Parramatta), Zane Tetevano, Poasa Faamausili (retired), Chris Patolo (Manly - trial & train), Hayze Perham (Brisbane), Liam Knight (unsigned)

DEVELOPMENT: Fanafou Seve, Lipoi Hopoi, Joseph O'Neill, Jonathan Sua, Sosaia Alatini, Logan Spinks

Best 17

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton (C)
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Tom Amone
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Kurt Mann

14. Bailey Hayward
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Kurtis Morrin
17. Josh Curran

18. Jaeman Salmon