
The Bulldogs surprised many with their charge to the 2024 finals but they will have to carry the weight of expectation as the club celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025.
It's a burden Canterbury appear well-placed to shoulder, with coach Cameron Ciraldo and captain Stephen Crichton no strangers to pressure.
The Bulldogs will carry a relatively stable squad into 2025, with Josh Addo-Carr the highest profile departure. Experienced recruits Sitili Tupouniua and Marcelo Montoya will provide leadership and depth while Enari Tuala will provide added firepower out wide.
Perhaps the biggest inclusion this year will be the return of English forward Ryan Sutton, missed the entirety of 2024 with injury. The prop is expected to line up throughout the pre-season challenge and could give the pack size and muscle up front if he can remain healthy.
Bronson Xerri was one of the revelations of 2024 in his return from a doping ban and he will play a key role in the side's quest to finish inside the top four.
Those premiership hopes will also hinge on the continued development of halves Matt Burton and Toby Sexton as they work to unlock the team's full potential.
James Graham dissects the Bulldogs 2025 draw
Teenage halfback Mitchell Woods is still far from the finished product but could earn an NRL debut throughout the year.
As for the forward pack, Josh Curran proved one of the buys of the year last season and is set to lay the foundation up front alongside Max King, Sam Hughes and Reed Mahoney.
Predicted Round 1 Team
- Connor Tracey
- Jacob Kiraz
- Bronson Xerri
- Stephen Crichton
- Enari Tuala
- Matt Burton
- Toby Sexton
- Max King
- Reed Mahoney
- Sam Hughes
- Viliame Kikau
- Jacob Preston
- Jaeman Salmon
- Bailey Hayward
- Josh Curran
- Sitili Tupouniua
- Ryan Sutton