Academy Wrap Finals Week 1: Tough Start to Finals

Ill-discipline cruelled the Bulldogs' chances throughout the match, who were forced to chase down a 24-nil deficit at the break. 

Showing their fighting spirit, the Bulldogs closed the gap to fourteen points after quick fire tries to Emacyn Ieremia and Jayda Peo out the gate gave the side a glimmer of hope. 

Unfortunately their opponents returned serve and continued their momentum until the final siren, forcing the Bulldogs into a second week match against the Melbourne Storm. 

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was humble in defeat. 

"There were some tough lessons learnt on the weekend," Foliaki said. 

"Newcastle are undefeated for a reason - too many errors and penalties cost us the game. Full credit to our opponents, they were outstanding." 

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 14 def Eels 30

The Tarsha Gale Cup side were brave in their defeat to the Parramatta Eels, going down 30-14 at Ringrose Park at Wentworthville. 

Chasing down a 26-point deficit at the break, the Bulldogs got to it with Rastalia Smith touched down, while further four-pointers to Leteena Medland and Evelyn Roberts closed the gap to two converted tries. 

Despite their best efforts, a final four-pointer to the Eels put the result beyond doubt, which will see the Bulldogs face the Newcastle Knights on Saturday afternoon. 

Head Coach Charlotte Henry was frank in her assessment of the match. 

"We didn't stick to our process, and lacked focus and intent across the game," Henry said. 

"We were proud of the girls never giving up and fighting until the end, but we need to show up to play from kick-off."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 20 def Eels 34

The SG Ball Cup side's season has come to a close following a 34-20 defeat to the Parramatta Eels at Ringrose Park. 

The Bulldogs were near perfect in the first half, with four tries - including a double to Jope Rauqe - taking out a 20-6 lead. 

Unfortunately the home side shifted gears and scored 28 unanswered points in the second stanza, claiming a 14-point win. 

While Head Coach Steve Turner was disappointed with the result, he cited the importance of the experience of finals football gained for the players moving forward. 

"The elimination final loss to the Eels was a tough one for all,"

"We started well and created opportunities, but our inability to build sustained pressure and complete consistently hurt us. Parramatta capitalised and kept us on the back for foot long periods.

"The defensive effort was there, although key moments and lapses in discipline proved costly. In a big game like this, those moments matter, and we didn't handle them well enough.

"There's plenty of disappointment but also clarity. The group showed resilience throughout the season, and this experience will be important for their development."