Bulldogs Mark Belmore Debut Despite Raiders’ Firepower

The Bulldogs were forced into a few late changes with Adi Vani Buleki replacing Simina Lokotui on the wing one hour before kick-off (due to a hamstring injury), while at the 24-hour mark, Anneka Wilson stepped in at five-eighth for Ashleigh Quinlan (hamstring niggle), and Ebony Prior shifting to the starting hooker position.

Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau joined the bench, Alexis Tauaneai returned from a three-game hamstring absence, and Shannon Muru and debutant Leio Fotu-Moala made their first appearances for the Club.

In the first half: Canberra set the tone early, with Cheyelle Robins-Reti and Mackenzie Wiki combining for the opening try. Temara added the conversion to give the Raiders a 4-0 lead. In the 9th minute, veteran Simaima Taufa crashed over just outside the posts, with Temara converting again to push the score to 10-0.

An error from Bulldogs’ Latisha Smythe on a tricky grubber allowed Chloe Saunders to extend the Raiders’ lead. With another successful conversion, it was 16-0 in favour of the visitors.

The Bulldogs hit back in the 18th minute with a dynamic midfield play: Holli Wheeler linked with Co-Captain Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, who powered over from short range. Tayla Preston converted, bringing the score to 16-6.

The Raiders responded through a line break by Sereana Naitokatoka, finding Elise Simpson who raced 40 metres to score under the posts. Temara converted, making it 22-6. With minutes remaining in the half, Taufa, taking advantage of her experience, crashed over again just outside the posts. Temara’s boot pushed the half-time score to 28-6.

The Bulldogs showed resilience in the final moments before the break though, with Kalosipani Hopoate offering an opportunity only to be held up on a close-range effort, and two tackles later, Alexis Tauaneai charging across for her first try back from injury. Preston’s conversion narrowed the gap to 28-12 at the break.

At the break, the Raiders had held 62% possession, completed 16 of 17 sets at 94% and made 22 tackle breaks to the Bulldogs' 12 and 4 line breaks to the Bulldogs' two.

Come the second half: The Raiders were back in action, coming out strongly after the break. Jordyn Preston outpaced an equally dynamic Andie Robinson, to extend the score to 34-12. Shaniece Monschau was sin-binned for a late shot on Lili Boyle in the lead-up play, leaving the Bulldogs a player down.

Despite the disadvantage, the Bulldogs’ middles powered through: Alexis Tauaneai scored her second try from close range, and Preston converted to bring the Bulldogs back to 34-18.

Canberra quickly struck back with Kiwi winger Isabella Waterman breaking free from an Elizabeth MacGregor tackle to score, making it 38-18. Cheyelle Robins-Reti added another for the Raiders at the 54-minute mark (44-18), and Waterman completed her brace off a well-placed cross-field kick from Temara (50-18). Temara then set up Jordyn Preston for another Raiders try, pushing the scoreline to out to 56-18 - setting the match up to record the most points ever scored in an NRLW match to date.

A consolation try for the Bulldogs came in the 67th minute when Andie Robinson powered through the Green Machine’s defence. Tayla Preston converted to bring the final score to 56-24 at the whistle.

Bulldogs Standouts and Milestones

• Alexis Tauaneai: Two tries in her return from injury, demonstrating power and determination.
• Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa: Leadership and try-scoring in the first half.
• Ma’atuleio Fotu-Moala: Club debut, becoming Bulldog #24.
• Andie Robinson & Tayla Preston: Key contributors in the second half, leading the charge on the Bulldogs' resilience and fightback.

The Bigger Picture: History Building

While the scoreboard reflected the strength of the Raiders, this match was about more than the result – it was about milestones, resilience, and the start of a new tradition at Belmore.

History shows that early setbacks do not define the Bulldogs. When the men’s side entered the Premiership in 1935, the Club faced some of the heaviest defeats in what was then the NSWRL's history. Yet the pioneering team persevered, achieving their first win just weeks later and laying the foundations of a proud legacy that continues today.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BULLDOGS HISTORY

Just like those trailblazers, the 2025 NRLW Bulldogs are writing their own story. Each try, each tackle, each debut, and each result is a step toward building the foundation of future success for the Club's legacy - one that Members and fans can celebrate for years to come.

Looking Ahead: The Bulldogs will take lessons from this match and will continue to display their trademark grit as they fight for every point in the run towards finals.

With courage, skill, and the support of their fans and Members who turned out in droves to support today, the team’s journey is just beginning – and every historic first is a sign of more to come.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH BRAYDEN WILIAME AND CO-CAPTAIN TAYLA PRESTON:

Next Up: The Bulldogs now look to next week as they re-group and set their focus on putting their resilience into practice against the Broncos in Round 9.