Academy Wrap Round 2: Table Toppers in Tarsha Gale & Lisa Fiaola

While the Raiders hit back in the second stanza, a further three tries including a second to Ieremia - who finished the day with 20 points - sealed the result. 

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was pleased with the side's ability to handle adversity throughout the contest. 

"We knew Canberra would test us and turn up ready to play - and they did - but we were ready for it,"

We made a few errors under pressure, but that's part of footy. What I was really proud of was how we handled it. We felt that pressure, and instead of going away from our game, we found our way back to it.

"I was particularly proud of the way we defended five straight sets on our line without conceding a try. That's resilience, that's grit, that's standards and that's what I'm most proud of." 

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 28 def Raiders 6

It was a strong opening outing for the Harold Matthews Cup side, downing Canberra 28-6 in a complete performance at McCredie Park.

Wingers Riley Schafter and Oka Chan Kum Tong both bagged doubles, while Feofa'aki Tupouniua and Jaedyn Tuigamala-Nicholas added their name to the scoresheets as the Bulldogs kept momentum going after leading 18-6 at the break.

"All week we spoke about keeping things simple, building pressure, enjoying the moments and celebrating the little wins," said Head Coach Mark O'Meley. 

The boys took that mindset straight into the game and it turned into a genuine team performance. Everyone played their part and worked hard for each other with a team-first mentality.

"That connection showed in our defence, forcing multiple turnovers, building consistent pressure and controlling long periods of the match. 

"Overall it was a strong first hit-out, with plenty to build on. We'll keep working, keep improving and keep earning everything."

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 30 def Raiders 6

It was a similarly dominant win from the Tarsha Gale Cup side to their Under 17s counterparts, defeating the Bulldogs 30-6 at Hammondville Oval.

After leading 20-nil at the break with Isapela Apollo, Giovanna Suani, Shafenior Liu and Josiah Filisi Tauiliili touching down, the Bulldogs continued their run into the second stanza with Akolo claiming her second before Violet Hiku added her name to the scoresheet. 

The defensive performance was just as impressive, holding the Raiders off until the dying minutes. 

Head Coach Charlotte Henry noted the side's relentlessness as a highlight of the performance. 

"We played a worthy opposition who tested us across all aspects of our game," Henry said. 

It was a game filled with errors and early turnovers, but we continued to get on with our next job to place points on the board. We are proud of the girls as we showed a lot of heart and effort to grind and arm wrestle. 

"We were relentless in defence, which is a big part of our game we are working on, so to hold Canberra out for most of the game was pleasing."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 20 def by Raiders 28

A late flourish wasn't enough for the Bulldogs SG Ball Cup side in their first match of the season, downed 20-28 by the Canberra Raiders at McCredie Park.

David Bryenton made a strong impression in his first match in the Blue and White by touching down early, before Rhymen-Dre Tuilagi Tusi touched down just before the break to close the half-time scores 12-16.

The visitors extended their lead upon resumption, and while Damon Humphrys and Jope Rauqe - fresh off an NRL Pre-Season Challenge match - both scored, it was too little too late for the Bulldogs. 

While disappointed with the result, Head Coach Steve Turner said there were plenty of positives from his side's first outing. 

"The side showed plenty of effort in defeat," Turner said.

We let ourselves down with key moments of execution and discipline, however there were positives in our attitude and willingness to compete.

"This result is a reminder that consistency, composure, and attention to detail over 70 minutes are what turn close games into wins. We'll learn from the weekend and look ahead to Round 3."