Rebuilding the Bulldogs: 2015-2024 /

While this last decade showed some unfavourable results, a revolution was in the midst with a bright future ahead for the Bulldogs. 

• 2015 - 80 Years Proud
• 2016 - Inconsistency and Injuries
• 2017 - A Season of Frustration
• 2018 - Dean's Dogs
• 2019 - A Glimmer of Hope
• 2020 - The World Goes Upside Down
• 2021 - Back at the Bottom
• 2022 - Growing Pains
• 2023 - Ciraldo Comes on Board
• 2024 - A New Breed

 

2015 - 80 Years Proud

Celebrating its 80th season, the Club added superstar winger Brett Morris, handy outside back Curtis Rona, young up and comer Michael Lichaa and stalwart forward Antonio Kaufusi.

With Michael Ennis departing to Cronulla, inspirational British International James Graham was an obvious choice to be Captain of the side.

Off the field the Club honoured five of its greatest players as they launched the Bulldogs Hall of Fame; Eddie Burns, Les Johns, George Peponis, Steve Mortimer and Terry Lamb became the first inductees at the 80th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

While they experienced an inconsistent season, the Bulldogs - as they had done for much of the decade - found a way to finish inside the top eight with a flurry of five consecutive victories. 

One of the highlights of the season came in Round 16, with the returning to Belmore Sports Ground for the first time since 1998. In a grand homecoming, the Bulldogs fired against the highly-touted Melbourne Storm in a 20-4 performance that harked back to the halcyon days. 

While Brett Morris was the big-name acquisition, young winger Curtis Rona proved to be one of the best signings of the year with 23 tries in 25 matches. 

Finishing in fifth place, a Josh Reynolds field goal sunk old rivals St George Illawarra in a tight contest in the first week of finals, booking a date with crosstown rivals the Sydney Roosters.

Unfortunately, Des Hasler's side were no match of the Minor Premiers, a 38-12 defeat at the Sydney Football Stadium ended the Bulldogs' campaign in an undesirable fashion.

Season Snapshot: 

• In 2015 the club celebrated their 80-year history.
• The club signed Brett Morris Dragons, Curtis Rona Cowboys, Michael Lichaa Sharks, Antonio Kaufusi UK. Losses Michael Ennis & Mitch Brown Sharks, Dale Finucane Storm, Krisnan Inu Super League, Reni Maitua UK.
• With Michael Ennis departure James Graham is appointed captain.
• The season was a mixed bag of good wins and poor losses managing to remain in the top 8 for most of the season.
• A promising finish to the season by winning the last 5 games during the regular season enable the Bulldogs to finish in 5th place.
• The Bulldogs first opponent was the Dragons in a tight contest that went into extra time a Josh Reynolds field goal enable the Bulldogs to go and fight another day.
• Their next opponent was the Sydney Roosters however the Bulldogs were no match going down 38-12 and exciting from the finals.
• However, there were some wonderful moments during the season for the club, the 80thyear celebrations at a Gala Dinner with the club inducting 5 players in their Hall of Fame, Eddie Burns, Les Johns, George Peponis, Steve Mortimer & Terry Lamb along with the announcement of the team of the decade.
• The return of the Bulldogs to their spiritual ground Belmore Sports Ground with a thumping 20-4 win in round 16. The try scoring feats of winger Curtis Rona scoring 23 tries from 25 games.
• However, there we so not so great moments in the Good Friday clash against Souths were a loss on the bell culminating in drama from the crowd.
• Reserve grade finished finalists, and NYC didn’t qualify for the finals.

Debutants: Brett Morris, Curtis Rona, Michael, Lichaa, Antonio Kaufusi, Danny Fualalo, Herman Ese'ese, Tyrone Phillips, Shaun Lane

2016 - Inconsistency and Injuries

While the season start off in strong fashion, it was a case of inconsistency and injuries upsetting what was another promising year.

Will Hopoate and Raymond Faitala-Mariner (mid-season) were the new faces at Belmore in 2016, while halfback Trent Hodkinson headlined the departures as the Bulldogs looked to a halves pairing of Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds to guide them back to glory.

After a solid seven wins from their first eleven matches, the Bulldogs were in a good position to return back to the top four, bettered even with a record of seven from ten later in the season.

However, three consecutive defeats to end the regular season consigned Canterbury to seventh position, with a fourth loss on the horizon against the Penrith Panthers in the first week of finals, 28-12. 

The ever-reliable Sam Perrett hung up the boots, playing a major role in the side's run to the 2012 and 2014 Grand Finals. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Gains: Will Hopoate Parramatta, Raymond Faitala Mariner Warriors. (During Season)
• Losses: Damien Cook Rabbitohs, Trent Hodkinson Knights, Antonio Kaufusi retired, Tim Lafai Dragons Shaun Lane Warriors, Frank Pritchard & Corey Thompson UK.
• The season started well winning 7 of their first 11 games. There form in the middle of the season was almost identical winning 7 of their next 10 games. Then 3 losses in a row to finish the season the Bulldogs finished in 7th place not great form heading into the final series.
• The clubs first opponent was the Panthers the Bulldogs were well beaten by 28-12 to exit the premiership farewelling the reliable Sam Perrett who decided to retire.
• Reserve grade finished semi-finalist’s NYC didn’t qualify for finals.

Debutants: Will Hopoate, Adam Elliott, Kerrod Holland, Craig Garvey, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith, Asipeli Fine

2017 - A Season of Frustration

Season 2017 can be described as one of frustration as the Bulldogs battled to keep afloat following a roster turnover. 

Centre Brenko Lee was the only signing for the year, while the Perrett brothers, Sam and Lloyd, winger Curtis Rona (rugby union), Tony Williams and Tim Browne departed. 

It was a reasonable start to the season with five wins from the opening nine games, however the following three months resulted in just two wins in a tough winter for Members and supporters.

Despite three consecutive wins to end the year, the Bulldogs finished in eleventh place, their first season without a finals appearance since 2011. 

Season Snapshot: 

•  Gains: Brenko Lee Raiders
• Losses: Sam Perrett retired, Curtis Rona Rugby Union, Tony Williams Sharks. Lloyd Perrett Manly & Tim Browne Panthers.
• The season started reasonably for the club winning 5 of their first 9 games however only 2 wins in their next 12 games put the side well behind the eight ball although they did finish with 3 straight wins. 
  end the season in a disappointing 11th place, a season they were rarely in the top 8 all season and missing the finals for the first time since 2011.
• Reserve grade finished finalist & the NYC failed to qualify for the finals.

Debutants: Brenko Lee, Brad Abbey, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Frawley, Francis Tualau, Andy Saunders

2018 - Dean's Dogs

In a bid to bring back some Bulldogs DNA, the Club enlisted former player Dean Pay as Head Coach. 

One inspirational forward was replaced with another as James Graham departed for St George Illawarra, with Josh Jackson appropriately named as Captain.

More leadership changes occurred with Raelene Castle stepping down, with Andrew Hill named as CEO.

Another favourite son - Josh Reynolds - found himself at the Wests Tigers in a big shake up for the Club.

But one win in the first five matches was definitely not the way the Bulldogs had planned to start their season and from that point any hope of salvaging their season and making finals was forlorn.

By late June, their finals hopes were long gone and finished a disappointing 12th place on the table.

In a positive sign for 2019, the side won four of their last six and showcased some fine young talent in Lachlan Lewis, Rhyse Martin and Reimis Smith. 

David Klemmer, played an integral role and led from the front for the Bulldogs, while five-eighth Lewis also made giant strides after making his NRL debut in Round 16.

Beating the finals-bound Broncos, Dragons and Warriors in the run home was a great shot in the arm after a horror season but left fans wondering how things went so bad in the first sixteen rounds.

Certainly the highlight of the season came in Round 24 with a 38-nil thrashing of St George Illawarra at Jubilee Oval. Flying winger Smith was a standout for the side, scoring a dazzling hat-trick in just his eleventh game in the NRL.

In another great moment for the Club, the reserve grade team won the Premiership, while the Jersey Flegg Cup side finished semi-finalists.

Season Snapshot: 

• Coach Des Hasler was sacked by the club and replaced by former Bulldogs player Dean Pay.
• With the departure of James Graham to the Dragons, Josh Jackson was appointed captain
• CEO Raelene Castle resigned and was replaced by Andrew Hill.
• Gains: Kieran Foran Warriors, Aaron Woods Tigers, Fa’amanu Brown Sharks, John Olive Titans & Clay Priest Raiders & Chris Smith Roosters.
• Losses: James Graham Dragons, Josh Reynolds Tigers, Sam Kasiano Storm, Brenko Lee Titans, Chase Stanley Toronto Wolfpacks.

Debutants: Kieran Foran, Aaron Woods, Jeremy Marshall-King, Fa'amanu Brown, Rhyse Martin, Clay Priest, Renouf To'omaga (née Atoni), John Olive, Lachlan Lewis, Ofahiki Ogden, Chris Smith

2019 - A Glimmer of Hope

The 2019 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs proved to be the epitome of Jekyll and Hyde. 

Starting the year with three wins from their first fourteen matches to seemingly have one hand on the wooden spoon, the absence of expectation over the second half of the season saw the Blue and Whites grow in confidence to finish as one of the form teams of the Premiership.

Unable to settle on a consistent team for much of the early rounds due to poor form and injuries to key players, the mid-season acquisition of New Zealand Captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak created a cultural shift throughout the Club.

That seemed to culminate in the side climbing off the bottom of the ladder to finish in twelfth position with ten wins from 24 matches.

The side also proved to be more than nuisance value by upsetting the likes of South Sydney, Parramatta and Brisbane with classy performances, gaining momentum with each passing result to become one of the form teams of the Premiership.

Captain Josh Jackson made his presence felt with tremendous resilience and leadership under trying circumstances, while rookies Jayden Okunbor, Brandon Wakeham and Morgan Harper all stood tall during the year. 

Season Snapshot: 

• The side began their season with just three wins from their opening fourteen matches. 
• The side claimed four consecutive victories between Round 20 and Round 23 against Penrith (16-8), Wests Tigers (16-8), South Sydney (14-6) and Parramatta (12-6).
• New Zealand Captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak joined the Club mid-season.
• The reserve grade side and Jersey Flegg Cup side both reached the finals, bowing out in the second week.  

Debutants: Christian Crichton, Dylan Napa, Corey Harawira-Naera, Sauaso Sue, Nick Meaney, Jayden Okunbor, Jack Cogger, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Brandon Wakeham, Morgan Harper

2020 - The World Goes Upside Down

In a year that shaped as make-or-break for one of the league's proudest clubs, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs went down the latter path.

Managing just three wins from 20 matches, parting ways with coach Dean Pay mid-season and spending twelve weeks on the bottom of the Premiership ladder, only a penultimate round victory saved the side from the dreaded wooden spoon.

Losing their opening two matches prior to the season's suspension due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a win 22-2 win over St George Illawarra on the Queen's Birthday proved to be a highlight, however further losses led to the premature departure of Head Coach Dean Pay. 

Installing assistant Steve Georgallis for the remainder of the year opened up the side's attack, resulting in upsets against the Knights (18-12) and Rabbitohs (26-16), the latter helping the side narrowly avoid the wooden spoon.

While there was little to celebrate, Captain Josh Jackson put in yet another inspirational shift as skipper, featuring in every match and putting in wholehearted performances with each appearance. 

Season Snapshot: 

• After two rounds, the competition halted until May 28, with a total of 20 rounds being played. 
• Head Coach Dean Pay departed after twelve matches, with assistant Steve Georgallis taking over as caretaker. 
• The side claimed three wins from their 20 matches, with a Round 19 win over South Sydney helping them avoid the wooden spoon.
• Inspirational skipper Josh Jackson featured in all 20 matches. 
• A mammoth 31 players were used across the season.
• All lower grade competitions were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Debutants: Joe Stimson, Dean Britt, Jake Averillo, Luke Thompson, Sione Katoa, Matt Doorey, Tuipulotu Katoa

2021- Back at the Bottom

New Head Coach Trent Barrett experienced what could only be described as a disastrous season, with the side collecting the wooden spoon. 

Despite his side's courageous performances, no doubt the results were disappointing, especially following a strong recruitment drive that brought the likes of Nick Cotric, Corey Allan, Kyle Flanagan and Jack Hetherington to Belmore. 

After waiting six weeks for their first win, Barrett's side recorded a gritty 18-12 win over a strong Cronulla outfit, reducing the Head Coach to tears at full-time in a feel-good moment for the season.

Youngsters Bailey Biondi-Odo and Chris Patolo made the transition from Jersey Flegg Cup to NRL off the back of a number of injuries and suspensions, while outside back Jake Averillo enjoyed a strong season after being moved into the halves.

Off the field, the Club continued to rebuild with the additions of former player and coach Phil Gould, signed as General Manager of Football, as well as CEO Aaron Warburton, with their impact almost immediate. 

Heading into 2022, the roster overhaul saw thirteen players depart, with eight new faces. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Trent Barrett was appointed the Bulldogs' new Head Coach.
• The side claimed an epic 18-12 victory over a highly-favourite Cronulla outfit to open their account in Round 7.
• The Bulldogs collected their first wooden spoon since 2008.
• Former player and Head Coach Phil Gould returned to the Club as General Manager of Football, while a new CEO, Aaron Warburton, was appointed. 
• Thirteen players departed at the end of the season in a major clean out. 
• The lower grades were once again cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Debutants: Corey Allan, Nick Cotric, Kyle Flanagan, Corey Waddell, Jack Hetherington, Brad Deitz, Jackson Topine, Ava Seumanufagai, Aaron Schoupp, Falakiko Manu, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Chris Patolo, Ryan James, Corey Horsburgh

2022 - Growing Pains

Buoyed by the addition of Premiership winners Matt Burton (Penrith) and Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne) gave Members and supporters plenty of hope after the side claimed the wooden spoon. 

The side also welcomed Brent Naden, Dragons duo Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan and enigmatic forward Tevita Pangai Jr, and the new cavalry proved their worth following a low-scoring and gritty win in Townsville against the North Queensland Cowboys to open their campaign.

However, the side would have to wait another seven weeks for their next competition points, this time a 16-12 boilover against the Sydney Roosters in Round 8.

But after just two wins from their opening ten matches, Head Coach Trent Barrett departed, with former Dally M Medal-winning fullback Mick Potter taking over as interim.

While it boded as another tough year for the Blue and White faithful, the Bulldogs produced a vintage performance in Round 14, stunning the high-flying Eels 34-4 before backing up their effort with a 36-12 thumping of the Wests Tigers.

Further wins against the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Manly in the home stretch saw the side finish twelfth on the competition ladder, a marked improvement on their effort in recent years. 

Phil Gould and co continued their strong recruitment drive for 2023, welcoming Premiership-winning back rower Viliame Kikau and highly touted hooker Reed Mahoney, along with the signature of Cameron Ciraldo as their next Head Coach. 

Promising duo Jacob Kiraz and Kurtis Morrin made their NRL debuts, while after 241 first grade games, Captain Josh Jackson announced his retirement from the NRL, despite being contracted for the 2023 season. 

On the representative scene, Burton made his debut for NSW while Addo-Carr and Kiraz represented Australia and Lebanon respectively in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year.

Season Snapshot: 

• Premiership-winning duo Josh Addo Carr (Melbourne) and Matt Burton (Penrith) joined the Club alongside fellow signings Brent Naden, Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan and Tevita Pangai Jr.
• With just two wins from their opening ten matches, Trent Barrett was replaced as Head Coach with former Bulldogs player Mick Potter taking the reins. 
• A late season revival saw the side finish in twelfth place on the ladder.
• In August, Cameron Ciraldo was formally announced as the Club's Head Coach on a five-year deal, with Potter remaining as an assistant. 
• After 241 first grade games, Captain Josh Jackson has announced his retirement from the NRL.
• Josh Addo-Carr (Australia) and Jacob Kiraz (Lebanon) made appearances in the 2021 World Cup, with the former finishing as the tournament's highest try-scorer. 
• Both Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan departed the side mid-season to Super League club Warrington.
• With the return of the lower grade competitions, the reserve grade side finished as runners up, while the Jersey Flegg Cup side finished semi-finalists.

Debutants: Matt Duffy, Braidon Burns, Brent Naden, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Paul Vaughan, Max King, Tevita Pangai Jr, Jacob Kiraz, Billy Tsikrikas, Zach Dockar-Clay, Kurtis Morrin, Declan Casey, Harrison Edwards, Joshua Stuckey

2023 - Ciraldo Comes on Board

A new era in Belmore began with the acquisition of Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo in his debut as NRL Head Coach. 

After building defensive structures of the competition's back-to-back Premiers, Ciraldo's first season at the helm resulted in a fifteenth-place finish, but the seeds of success had been planted.

Fan favourite Josh Reynolds returned from a stint in the UK for one final season in Blue and White, playing seven matches in a move that captured the Rugby League public. 

Following a strong start to the year, which saw the side shock the Melbourne Storm in the Victorian capital (the only team to do so in 2023) as well as wins over the Wests Tigers and North Queensland, a crucial loss to the Sydney Roosters in Round 14 proved to be a turning point. 

A four loss run ensued, with a finals spot out of reach - however a 36-32 victory over finals-bound South Sydney in Round 19 proved the side could compete with the best. 

While the results weren't quite coming to the fore, Ciraldo and co continued to unearth talent; highlighted by relative unknown Jacob Preston - who after debuting in Round 1 ended the season as the Club's Player of the Year. 

In his second season in the NRL, 21-year-old Jacob Kiraz continued his upward trajectory with a further nineteen appearances. 

In a vote of confidence for the future, the Jersey Flegg Cup Under 21s side claimed the Premiership in emphatic circumstances, with the Club winning the Flowers Memorial Pennant, earning them the title as Club Champions. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Former Penrith Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo is named the Club's new Head Coach.
• Fan favourite Josh Reynolds returned for a swan song season, playing seven seasons in his final season in the NRL. 
• The side finished in fifteenth place.
• The Bulldogs' Round 2 win  over the Melbourne Storm was the only victory from an away side in the Victorian capital in 2023. 
• Jacob Preston finished as the Club's Player of Year following a sensational rookie season.
• The Jersey Flegg Cup side claimed the Premiership, while the Bulldogs claimed the Flowers Memorial Pennant as Club Champions. The reserve grade side failed to qualify for the finals. 

Debutants: Hayze Perham, Paul Alamoti, Viliame Kikau, Ryan Sutton, Reed Mahoney, Jayden Tanner, Franklin Pele, Jacob Preston, Samuel Hughes, Andrew Davey, Karl Oloapu, Blake Wilson, Khaled Rajab, Ethan Quai-Ward, Toby Sexton, Jeral Skelton, Liam Knight

2024 - A New Breed

Twelve months after arriving, Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo's labour had bore fruit in a season to remember. 

With an optimistic outset, the Bulldogs became the competition's fairytale story, finishing in the top eight for the first time since 2016. 

The side named a new Captain - three-time Premiership winning centre Stephen Crichton - who joined former assistant Ciraldo as the side's new skipper. 

While their campaign started off rocky with two losses, the Bulldogs claimed a number of victories before the State of Origin period - gaining momentum with each win.  

With only two losses between Round 12 and Round 25, the Bulldogs unearthed their fanbase - a sleeping giant of the competition - with wholehearted and at times dominant  performances that harked back to the Club's glory days. 

Highlights included a 41-16 demolition of 2023 Grand Finalists Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, back-to-back one-point victories over Cronulla and New Zealand and a five-match winning streak from Round 21 to Round 25.

While momentum shifted with consecutive defeats in the final two weeks, the Bulldogs had done enough to earn themselves a finals appearance - their first since 2016.

A sea of Blue and White set the scene for the side's finals match against Manly Warringah, and after a match dominated by the Bulldogs, it was their opponents who stole the victory in heartbreaking circumstances. 

But after one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory, the Bulldogs not only performed admirably on the field, but injected hope and life into the district - with their eyes set on going further ahead of the Club's 90-Year celebrations. 

Season Snapshot: 

• The Bulldogs finished in the top eight for the first time since 2016, ending a bitter seven-year drought with a sixth position. 
• The crowd of 50,714 at Accor Stadium broke a record for a Finals Week One match. 
• Stephen Crichton - in his first season as skipper - claimed the Dally M Captain of the Year award. 
• The Jersey Flegg Cup side claimed a second consecutive Premiership, while reserve grade failed to qualify for the finals.
• The Club also claimed a second consecutive Flowers Memorial Pennant, claiming their title as Club Champions once again. 

Debutants: Blake Taaffe, Stephen Crichton, Drew
Hutchison, Jaeman Salmon, Poasa, Fa'amausili, Kurt Mann, Joshua Curran, Connor Tracey, Bronson Xerri, Kitione Kautoga, Jake Turpin, Bailey Hayward, Lipoi Hopoi, Harry Hayes, Eli Clark, Jonathan Sua