djdeep4172
Kennel Enthusiast
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2014
- Messages
- 4,275
- Reaction score
- 8,113
As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2025, the Bulldogs have continued their impressive rebuild by strengthening their already impressive roster.
Canterbury are considered one of the dark horses in 2025 for the title after they finally broke their playoff drought last season under coach Cameron Ciraldo.
The Dogs have added more talent to their roster this season with Sitili Tupouniua coming across town from the Roosters and they have continued their rebuilding momentum with the signing of Kiwi prop Leo Thompson for next year.
They finally got into a groove midway through last season when Toby Sexton became Matt Burton’s halves partner and Connor Tracy stepped up at fullback which allowed Stephen Crichton to remain at centre, where he was still able to have a massive impact.
Their starting 13 is one of the most talented in the NRL and anything short of a top-four finish this season will be considered a disappointment.
Who’s new?
Tupouniua is a very good pick-up for Canterbury given he is still only 27 but has plenty of experience with 106 NRL games under his belt over the past seven seasons at the Roosters including the 2019 grand final win.
The Tongan second-rower is likely to slot in at the right edge or he could be used as a middle forward if Ciraldo wants to keep rising star Jacob Preston in the starting side.
The Dogs have also added Marcelo Montoya after he rejoined his junior club following a four-year stint at the Warriors, while former Knights centre Enari Tuala also provides depth in the outside backs.
Canterbury have signed prop Tom Amone from the Leigh Leopards. He started his career with brief stints at Souths and Wests Tigers and will give the Dogs extra size up front but is unlikely to crack the starting side.
Who’s gone?
Canterbury have shed plenty of contracts in the past few seasons and this summer was no different.
Josh Addo-Carr had his contract terminated after his roadside cocaine test towards the end of last season on the eve of the playoffs. Journeymen props Liam Knight and Zane Tetevano have been released.
Hayze Perham has joined the Broncos while Jeral Skelton has been snapped up by the Wests Tigers.
Key spots to unlock
Ciraldo is likely to stick with the spine combination which worked so well late last season with Tracey at fullback and Sexton in the No.7 jersey alongside Burton with Reed Mahoney providing quality service from dummy-half and non-stop tackling.
Montoya is favourite to start on the wing in Addo-Carr’s old spot, although Tuala and young gun Blake Wilson are also in the mix.
In the pack, Tupouniua’s arrival gives the Dogs extra grunt and arguably the most potent pair of second-rowers in the NRL with Viliame Kikau roaming the left edge.
Unlike recent seasons, the Canterbury line-up is much more settled and the nucleus of last year’s team will again be on the park in the opening round.
Round 1 predicted team
1 Connor Tracey
2 Marcelo Montoya
3 Stephen Crichton
4 Bronson Xerri
5 Jacob Kiraz
6 Matt Burton
7 Toby Sexton
8 Max King
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Josh Curran
11 Viliame Kikau
12 Sitili Tupouniua
13 Kurt Mann
Interchange
14 Bailey Hayward
15 Jaeman Salmon
16 Jacob Preston
17 Sam Hughes
Other squad members: Blake Taaffe, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Drew Hutchison, Enari Tuala, Jake Turpin, Karl Oloapu, Kurtis Morrin, Mitchell Woods, Ryan Sutton, Blake Wilson
The Crowd Says:

33 minutes ago
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I'm assuming the Dogs expect to make the finals and preferably the top 4. The question I can't see and answer to is, what is the X factor in this year's squad so they could challenge for the premiership? The Storm has an X factor spine while the Panthers have an X factor team! In the Doggies best 17, I don't know who can step up and play such outstanding footy come the finals that they can beat these two teams? Perhaps a top 4 spot this year is the best they can achieve and hope an X factor playe become available next year?
Abbot
Roar Rookie
Typo spotted “Reed Mahoney providing quality service from dummy-half and non-stop tackling” should read instead non-stop talking .
Jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I'm with you Albo. One big man and a half back short of top 4 imo. Still they will go close.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I'm not a fan of Sitili Tupouniua. Too many errors in his game. I would have Jacob Preston in front of him all day. Plenty of heart but not much size in that front row of Max King & Josh Curran ? And I'm not convinced Sexton is their halfback solution ? But they have a dangerous backline, though I would have Wilson's speed in front of Montoya.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Can the Dogs avoid the dreaded Yo Yo effect where over performing teams crash the following year? No one sees it coming but it's a powerful force when it strikes.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
The doggies haven't had a decent first grade halfback on their roster since Brent Sherwin. This year their was an opportunity to sign Jarome Luai. A 27yo experienced injury free player in his prime. The doggies would not be taking any chances, they know what they would be getting. Penrith were not in a position to offer him more than $700K. I reckon an offer of $850K to play in a team on the rise under Ciraldo & alongside his former team mates in Burton, Kikau & Crichton, would have been enough to get him to Belmore on a 5 year deal. I can not see the need for Sexton, Taaffe or Hutchison on their roster, so salary cap space should not have been a problem. Isolating a young half as back up & Blake Wilson to cover fullback or wing positions & with that forward pack, I believe the doggies would be in contention for the premiership. The Doggies wont be winning a premiership with Sexton playing halfback.
Canterbury are considered one of the dark horses in 2025 for the title after they finally broke their playoff drought last season under coach Cameron Ciraldo.
The Dogs have added more talent to their roster this season with Sitili Tupouniua coming across town from the Roosters and they have continued their rebuilding momentum with the signing of Kiwi prop Leo Thompson for next year.
They finally got into a groove midway through last season when Toby Sexton became Matt Burton’s halves partner and Connor Tracy stepped up at fullback which allowed Stephen Crichton to remain at centre, where he was still able to have a massive impact.
Their starting 13 is one of the most talented in the NRL and anything short of a top-four finish this season will be considered a disappointment.
Who’s new?
Tupouniua is a very good pick-up for Canterbury given he is still only 27 but has plenty of experience with 106 NRL games under his belt over the past seven seasons at the Roosters including the 2019 grand final win.
The Tongan second-rower is likely to slot in at the right edge or he could be used as a middle forward if Ciraldo wants to keep rising star Jacob Preston in the starting side.
The Dogs have also added Marcelo Montoya after he rejoined his junior club following a four-year stint at the Warriors, while former Knights centre Enari Tuala also provides depth in the outside backs.
Canterbury have signed prop Tom Amone from the Leigh Leopards. He started his career with brief stints at Souths and Wests Tigers and will give the Dogs extra size up front but is unlikely to crack the starting side.
Who’s gone?
Canterbury have shed plenty of contracts in the past few seasons and this summer was no different.
Josh Addo-Carr had his contract terminated after his roadside cocaine test towards the end of last season on the eve of the playoffs. Journeymen props Liam Knight and Zane Tetevano have been released.
Hayze Perham has joined the Broncos while Jeral Skelton has been snapped up by the Wests Tigers.
Key spots to unlock
Ciraldo is likely to stick with the spine combination which worked so well late last season with Tracey at fullback and Sexton in the No.7 jersey alongside Burton with Reed Mahoney providing quality service from dummy-half and non-stop tackling.
Montoya is favourite to start on the wing in Addo-Carr’s old spot, although Tuala and young gun Blake Wilson are also in the mix.
In the pack, Tupouniua’s arrival gives the Dogs extra grunt and arguably the most potent pair of second-rowers in the NRL with Viliame Kikau roaming the left edge.
Unlike recent seasons, the Canterbury line-up is much more settled and the nucleus of last year’s team will again be on the park in the opening round.
Round 1 predicted team
1 Connor Tracey
2 Marcelo Montoya
3 Stephen Crichton
4 Bronson Xerri
5 Jacob Kiraz
6 Matt Burton
7 Toby Sexton
8 Max King
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Josh Curran
11 Viliame Kikau
12 Sitili Tupouniua
13 Kurt Mann
Interchange
14 Bailey Hayward
15 Jaeman Salmon
16 Jacob Preston
17 Sam Hughes
Other squad members: Blake Taaffe, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Drew Hutchison, Enari Tuala, Jake Turpin, Karl Oloapu, Kurtis Morrin, Mitchell Woods, Ryan Sutton, Blake Wilson
The Crowd Says:

33 minutes ago
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I'm assuming the Dogs expect to make the finals and preferably the top 4. The question I can't see and answer to is, what is the X factor in this year's squad so they could challenge for the premiership? The Storm has an X factor spine while the Panthers have an X factor team! In the Doggies best 17, I don't know who can step up and play such outstanding footy come the finals that they can beat these two teams? Perhaps a top 4 spot this year is the best they can achieve and hope an X factor playe become available next year?
Abbot
Roar Rookie
Typo spotted “Reed Mahoney providing quality service from dummy-half and non-stop tackling” should read instead non-stop talking .
Jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I'm with you Albo. One big man and a half back short of top 4 imo. Still they will go close.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I'm not a fan of Sitili Tupouniua. Too many errors in his game. I would have Jacob Preston in front of him all day. Plenty of heart but not much size in that front row of Max King & Josh Curran ? And I'm not convinced Sexton is their halfback solution ? But they have a dangerous backline, though I would have Wilson's speed in front of Montoya.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Can the Dogs avoid the dreaded Yo Yo effect where over performing teams crash the following year? No one sees it coming but it's a powerful force when it strikes.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
The doggies haven't had a decent first grade halfback on their roster since Brent Sherwin. This year their was an opportunity to sign Jarome Luai. A 27yo experienced injury free player in his prime. The doggies would not be taking any chances, they know what they would be getting. Penrith were not in a position to offer him more than $700K. I reckon an offer of $850K to play in a team on the rise under Ciraldo & alongside his former team mates in Burton, Kikau & Crichton, would have been enough to get him to Belmore on a 5 year deal. I can not see the need for Sexton, Taaffe or Hutchison on their roster, so salary cap space should not have been a problem. Isolating a young half as back up & Blake Wilson to cover fullback or wing positions & with that forward pack, I believe the doggies would be in contention for the premiership. The Doggies wont be winning a premiership with Sexton playing halfback.