News Round 1 Predicted Teams: Bulldogs

djdeep4172

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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.
 

spscand

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Probably the worst article yet. Benched Preston? Looooool. Talks about amone and then isn't listed in the squad anywhere. Includes KO. How old is this?

Also I'm sick of the the trash talk about sexton. He's the best 7 we've had in ages. We only made top 8 cause of him. This "they aren't winning with sexton" is just so dumb. Let alone the continued "big man" narrative. These so called experts have no fucking clue. On paper assessment literally means fuck all to me these days. Especially considering how we went last season, and penriths 4 in a row. For me now, squad strength on paper means fuck all. It's all about systems and good coaching. Star studded squads fail all the time without well designed systems and coaching.
 

TwinTurbo

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"the nucleus of last year’s team will again be on the park in the opening round"

Hooray, at last someone acknowledges that that is our biggest gain, what was a bunch of strangers last season is now a functioning team.


Team First
 

Alan79

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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.
Should be linking the source of these articles DJ. I know it's from the roar after reading it. But links are essential.


I think there's some shit opinions at the end of that. The last bloke shitting on Sexton is a bit rough. He was growing as a footballer every week IMO. given it was about the most NRL he'd seen in a season after debuting young, I expect he's still not quite at his best. But he was on a good trajectory. I get a bit sick of hearing Luai get the credit he does. Not saying he's a dud. But it'll be interesting to see if he's still as highly rated post season 2025 after stepping into a struggling team.

Mahoney cops more than is deserved IMO. I agree that he just needs to focus on the game and keep his mouth and attitude in check to avoid the issues with referees targeting him. There are loads of players who sledge, but he's the only one who's been to threatened by a referee for it.

As far as X factor goes, I think we're basically a side with a lot of players capable of doing something special. It's all well and good to have that one player that's incredibly gifted. But how many premierships did Thurston win. Likewise Andrew John's was considered an X factor player and only won a single comp that was divided into SL and ARL. So I'd rather have a roster that doesn't rely on one player to carry their fortunes.
 

Alan79

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Probably the worst article yet. Benched Preston? Looooool. Talks about amone and then isn't listed in the squad anywhere. Includes KO. How old is this?

Also I'm sick of the the trash talk about sexton. He's the best 7 we've had in ages. We only made top 8 cause of him. This "they aren't winning with sexton" is just so dumb. Let alone the continued "big man" narrative. These so called experts have no fucking clue. On paper assessment literally means fuck all to me these days. Especially considering how we went last season, and penriths 4 in a row. For me now, squad strength on paper means fuck all. It's all about systems and good coaching. Star studded squads fail all the time without well designed systems and coaching.
I don't think the Roar actually has what people would call experts. But I completely agree re Sexton. I don't think he's hit his peak yet. He was growing in confidence last year and hopefully kicks on and establishes himself among the better halves this year.

I'm also a huge fan of Preston. I really hope he's not pushed out if his starting spot. He's a toiler but also has great footwork and IMO reads the game well.

I hope that the team is seething about being reffed out of the finals and it eliminates the chance of regressing in attitude. If we start the year a bit better I think we break into the top 4 early and are hard to oust from there.
 

Alan79

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"the nucleus of last year’s team will again be on the park in the opening round"

Hooray, at last someone acknowledges that that is our biggest gain, what was a bunch of strangers last season is now a functioning team.


Team First
I honestly think that the massive roster overhaul would've helped us with implementing new systems heading into last season. You can keep any group that's worked with a system together and I think they'll fight to not change the habits they've established together. Change 30-40% of those people and suddenly there's new team dynamics.

But it's a boon that we've got a group that developed the incredible attitude still together for this year
 

Dogs4EVA-1

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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.
That 17 is a joke.. Why all the Montoya love? and there's surely no way Mann, Haywood and Salmon are in the match day 17.. it cant be... and Presto on bench?? please
1. Tracey
2. Blake Wilson
3. Xerri
4. Critta
5. Kiraz
6. Burto
7. SEX BOMB
8. King
9. Reed
10. Hughes (he starts or not in 17. Is not a bench player)
11. Kiks
12. Sitili
13. Presto
14. Mann
15 Curran
16. Amone
17. Haywood/Salmon/DSF (pending trial form)/Underhill
 

Turvey Chip and Chase

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X Factor - Crichton, Kikau and Burton bomb! I think we’re ok there.
Preston STARTS all day every day. Stili on bench.
Montoya…. I vomit in my mouth everytime a “pundit” wants to put that butter fingers hack in our starting side!!!!! Wilson’s spot to lose and I’d even give the kid with HUGE potential who played out last couple of games a run before Montoya ffs!
 

Lost Dog

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Pre season challenge may answer a few questions. Hypothetically speaking pending play, my team would look something like this. 1. Tracey 2. Montoya 3. Xerri 4. Critta 5. Kiraz 6. Burton 7. Sexton 8. King 9. Mahoney 10. Hughes 11. Kikau 12. Preston 13. Curran 14. Mann 15. Amone 16. Fifita 17. Tupouniua 18. Hayward/Salmon/Hayes/Morrin.
 

Riggs80

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Should be linking the source of these articles DJ. I know it's from the roar after reading it. But links are essential.


I think there's some shit opinions at the end of that. The last bloke shitting on Sexton is a bit rough. He was growing as a footballer every week IMO. given it was about the most NRL he'd seen in a season after debuting young, I expect he's still not quite at his best. But he was on a good trajectory. I get a bit sick of hearing Luai get the credit he does. Not saying he's a dud. But it'll be interesting to see if he's still as highly rated post season 2025 after stepping into a struggling team.

Mahoney cops more than is deserved IMO. I agree that he just needs to focus on the game and keep his mouth and attitude in check to avoid the issues with referees targeting him. There are loads of players who sledge, but he's the only one who's been to threatened by a referee for it.

As far as X factor goes, I think we're basically a side with a lot of players capable of doing something special. It's all well and good to have that one player that's incredibly gifted. But how many premierships did Thurston win. Likewise Andrew John's was considered an X factor player and only won a single comp that was divided into SL and ARL. So I'd rather have a roster that doesn't rely on one player to carry their fortunes.
if it’s from the roar it’s not worth wiping your arse with. They have zero yo negative clue about the game. I don’t think their experts have even watched a game of footy
 

TwinTurbo

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I find it highly unlikely we passed Luai for $850k like the article mentions. More likely the tigers offered him Campbelltown city's GDP to secure his services.
And even after that Luai still insisted on get out clauses if the Tigers don't live up to their promises.


Team First
 

DFLWatto

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I mean it's the roar but like soon as I read that sitili was starting over preston, you fucking lost me dawg. No.

Salmon in the side? fuck no. Although I'm nervous because he has some teacher's pet thing going on with Ciro.
 

djdeep4172

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There will be at least a couple of juniours who haven’t played first grade who will likely debut throughout this year.
Hopefully we come out of the blocks and post vs dragons and titans games as wins first up.
 

InGusWeTrust

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I mean it's the roar but like soon as I read that sitili was starting over preston, you fucking lost me dawg. No.

Salmon in the side? fuck no. Although I'm nervous because he has some teacher's pet thing going on with Ciro.
Sitili should start. He’s way better than Preston tbh. I don’t understand the hype he gets on here. I really like him as a player but he’s not that good.
 
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