As we enter the second week of the 2025 Indigenous Round, we're looking back through the archives to highlight seven of our greatest Indigenous players.
Only players who have retired or are currently at the Club have been featured on this list.
Tony Currie: Bulldog no.501
A fullback at both Brisbane Wests and Redcliffe, Tony Currie arrived at the Club at the back-end of the 1986 season, having dominated at Queensland club level, making his State of Origin debut in 1982.
Despite being a late addition, he cemented himself in the Dogs of War backline, with only injury robbing him of a place in the 1986 Grand Final.
After a further ten games in the Blue and White in 1987, Currie cemented a spot under Phil Gould's coaching the following year, and became a Premiership-winner with the Club in the 24-12 win in the 1988 Grand Final victory.
He made his debut whilst at the Bulldogs, going on to play seven Tests for his country, while making 15 appearances for Queensland in a stellar career.
1988 Grand Final Highlights: Bulldogs vs Tigers
Ewan McGrady: Bulldog no.549
Hailing from Moree in northern New South Wales, Ewan McGrady made an immediate impact after joining the Club in 1990.
A quicksilver halfback, McGrady dazzled with his silky skills and blistering speed, enjoying a stellar season in 1991 which saw him win the Rothmans Medal as the competition's Best and Fairest and named Rugby League Week's Player of the Year.
A naturally gifted player, he finished his career with the Club in 1993, playing 60 first-grade games and scoring a remarkable 31 tries in the Blue and White.
McGrady made a special appearance in last week's Indigenous Round victory, speaking pre-game before leading the NRL side out onto Accor Stadium, showing that he still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Bulldogs Members and supporters.
The Best of Bulldogs: Indigenous Legends
Rod Silva: Bulldog no.603
A proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti man, Rod Silva scored a remarkable 52 tries in his 100 games at Belmore.
1995 Grand Final Moment: Silva Secures the Win
Renowned for his blistering speed, anticipation and lethal step, Silva found success immediately after arriving at the Club via Easts midway through the 1995 season.
After taking hold of the vacant fullback spot, he starred in the Blue and White, going on to score the Grand Final winning try against Manly in an almighty effort.
For a further six seasons, Silva proved to be one of the most dangerous fullbacks in the game, helping guide the Bulldogs to another Grand Final in 1998, before retiring at the end of the 2001 season. In retirement, he was nominated for the Berries to Bulldogs' 70-year Team of Champions.
Johnathan Thurston: Bulldog no.651
Regarded as one of the greatest player in the modern game, Johnathan Thurston's journey in the NRL began in Belmore.
After winning the Jersey Flegg Cup in his first season, Thurston made his NRL debut in 2002, that same year winning the Premier League (Reserve Grade) Premiership.
Although 29 first-grade games across three seasons, Thurston capped off his career at the Bulldogs with a Premiership in 2004, coming into the side after Captain Steve Price missed the Grand Final due to injury.
He produced one of the most iconic moments in a decider post-match, bestowing Price with his Premiership ring in an unforgettable gesture of gratitude.
2004 Grand Final Post-Match Speech: Johnathan Thurston
Willie Tonga: Bulldog no.658
An explosive centre, Willie Tonga played eight games at Parramatta before joining the Bulldogs ahead of an historic 2004 season.
Tonga's career couldn't have started better at Belmore, where he slotted in seamlessly to score 18 tries in 27 appearances, which saw him help the Bulldogs lift the Premiership trophy alongside fellow Indigenous great Johnathan Thurston.
Not only that, but his feats catapulted him to a State of Origin debut for Queensland, being named Dally M Centre of the Year before the cherry on top - selection in the Australian Test team at year's end.
In total, Tonga made 81 memorable appearances as a Bulldog, scoring 37 tries across five seasons - and remains as a fan favourite to this day.
State of Origin: Game II, 2004 - Tonga Scores on Debut
Jamal Idris: Bulldogs no.706
A world ranked junior athletics champion in javelin and shotput, Jamal Idris joined the Bulldogs from the NSW north coast at the end of 2007, and made an almost immediate impact.
Debuting in Round 24 of the 2008 season, Idris not only stood out with his frame - standing at an imposing 192cm and 106kg in the centres, but with his iconic dreadlocks to boot. His first season in the NRL saw him named in the Dreamtime Team.
A damaging runner of the ball, Idris was crowned the Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2009, helping take the Bulldogs from the wooden spoon to a second-placed finish that saw them just one game shy of the Grand Final.
His progression continued in the following years in the Blue and White, making his State of Origin debut for NSW 2010, coupled with call ups to the Indigenous All Stars and Australian Test teams in 2011.
Josh Curran: Bulldog no.855
The only current player on this list, Josh Curran represents the new era of the Bulldogs since his arrival at the Club last season.
A proud Dharug man, the four-time Indigenous All Star has become a cult hero with his iconic Indigenous-themed headgear, long flowing locks and moustache, as well as his tireless efforts in the Blue and White.
Curran Crosses First!
All to play both in the middle and out wide, Curran held the distinction of scoring the Club's 1000th try at Accor Stadium in the 2025 Good Friday clash, with his team-first ethos invaluable as he helps the Bulldogs push for a Premiership tilt.
Off the field, the 26-year-old has been a pillar in the Bulldogs' community, with his unwavering support earning him a nomination for the 2025 Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year award.
