Academy Wrap Finals Week 3: Dogs Gallant in Defeat

In a heart-stopping grand final qualifier at Dudley Chesham Sports Ground, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were unable to hold off a fast-finishing Parramatta Eels in a 22-20 defeat in the Lisa Fiaola Cup preliminary final. 

Both sides crossed for four tries and landed two conversions each, but it was a penalty goal to the Eels that ultimately proved the difference.

The Bulldogs burst out of the gates with a try to Asha Taumoepeau-Williams before Parramatta hit back minutes later. Lala Vaea crossed out wide shortly after before the Eels responded once again, setting the tone for a high-energy game.

Bulldogs five-eighth and Captain Evelyn Roberts gave the Bulldogs the lead in the second half, scoring from a quick tap, but Parramatta responded with a try and conversion to lead 22-20 with eleven minutes on the clock. 

The Bulldogs had one last golden opportunity to steal the win in the dying minutes, but a heartbreaking fumble with the try line in sight ended their hopes.

For the Bulldogs, it was a brave and spirited performance that fell just short, ending their campaign one step shy of the Grand Final.

"Unfortunately, the weekend's results didn't go our way and we went down to a strong Parramatta side," said Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki.

Although our season has come to an end earlier than we had hoped, I couldn't be prouder of our group and everything we achieved this year.

"We'll take plenty of lessons from this loss and use it as motivation to come back even strong next season." 

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 8 def by Eels 18

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were unable to book their place in the 2025 Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final, defeated 18-8 against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday afternoon. 

It was Parramatta who struck first, applying early pressure to take the lead before Bulldogs centre Simina Lokotui responded in the 16th minute to level the contest. The Eels regained momentum soon after, adding a converted try to head into the break with a 12-4 lead.

The Bulldogs showed spirit after halftime, with Lokotui’s centre partner Tia’ane Tavita Fesolai crossing to narrow the deficit. 

However, a converted Eels try in the 57th minute proved decisive, sealing the 18-8 result and ending Canterbury-Bankstown’s campaign.

"Footy can be cruel at times and I guess the weekend past was a good example," said Head Coach Nik Wolfgramm. 

"After a valiant attempt, the girls went down fighting to a strong Parramatta outfit. The girls fought hard to get within a converted try, but ill-discipline and the luck of the bounce gave Parramatta the win.

"I want to congratulate the girls on a great year, and I will always be proud of their efforts. Although we fell short, we will definitely learn from this and return next season stronger."