Academy Wrap Round 6: Lisa Fiaola Continue Dominance

Despite the ten-try demolition, Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki believes her team still has plenty of room for improvement as the semi-finals loom.

"It was a very scrappy win from us," Foliaki admitted. 

"The scoreline doesn't reflect the number of errors and penalties over the weekend. While we're happy to come away with he win, we know we need to be better moving forward." 

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 6 def by Steelers 34

It was a disappointing result for the Harold Matthews Cup, downed 34-6 against Illawarra at Hammondville Oval in Round 6. 

Still in the contest at the break trailing 18-nil, the second half momentum continued for the visitors, while reliable winger Riley Schafer bagged a late four-pointer. 

For Head Coach Mark O'Meley, while the result was disappointing, it proved to be a symptom of the side's recent run of close contests. 

"We had plenty of moments early in the game to apply pressure and put ourselves in control, but were unable to capitalise," he explained.

"While the result is disappointing, the signs were there that this moment was coming. We've gone to the wire in four tight games this season for three wins, and I believe the physical and mental toll of those battles showed. 

"That being said, those situations are part of the journey for these young players. We need to learn how to handle pressure and embrace it."

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 16 def by Steelers 22

A late try broke the hearts of the Tarsha Gale Cup side with their undefeated start to the season ending after a 22-16 defeat to the Illawarra Steelers at Hammondville Oval.

It was a close first half with Evelyn Roberts touching down just before the break for a 6-all scoreline. The Bulldogs then took the early ascendency in the second stanza, with Tiare-Anne Leauga and Mary-Jane Taito crossing for a 16-6 lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Unfortunately, the away side flexed their muscles in the back-end of the match to score a further three tries - with the Bulldogs unable to breach the try line in the final ten minutes. 

Head Coach Charlotte Henry whilst disappointed, was positive for her side's upcoming match in Melbourne. 

"It was disappointing to have our first defeat of the season," said Henry.

"While we let ourselves down with key moments of execution and decision making,  we showed a lot of heart and we fought to the end.

"We will take the learnings from this game and prepare for our match this weekend against the Melbourne Storm."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 16 def by Steelers 24

Their comeback fell short, but it was a brave showing from the SG Ball Cup side against the Illawarra Steelers, with the Bulldogs downed 24-16. 

The visitors struck in quick succession to set up at 14-6 lead at the break, before the Blue and White took back ascendency in the second half thanks to noted try-scorers Zain Alameddine and Paul Johnson crossing. 

However, the final quarter of the match belonged to the Steelers, who struck twice more to seal the eight-point victory. 

Head Coach Steve Turner was blunt in his assessment of the match. 

"It was a disappointing result for the group," he said.

"We had our opportunities, but lacked the discipline and execution when it mattered. 

"It's a good learning curve for the boys and we'll regroup and work hard at training this week to focus on what we need to improve on."