Academy Wrap Finals Week 2: Lisa Fiaola Into Prelims

The Blue and White powered through via Jayda Peo in the very first minute, and while the Storm struck back, three tries in an eight-minute period - including a double to Raneh Siteine - gave the side a 22-6 lead at half-time.

Momentum continued in the second stanza with a further four tries with Zaira-Mia Tofilau Talau-Brown (32nd minute), Jaesynn-Ree Fatialofa (39th), Jada Breeze Gray (42nd) and Talita Haumono (50th) crossing to seal the win. 

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was pleased with side's performance, citing the need to improve standards on recent performances.

The last two performances weren't us, but we responded the right way - a strong confident win where we executed what we needed to and defended though.

"We knew going into this match we had to lift our standards," Foliaki said.

The Bulldogs will continue their conquest for the Premiership in Week 3 of the Finals, taking on the Parramatta Eels at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, April 26 at 10:00am.

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 22 def by Knights 24

It was a heartbreaking end for the Tarsha Gale Cup side's season, downed by just two points in a close contest against the Newcastle Knights at Eric Tweedle Stadium.

Fighting back from a 14-4 half-time deficit, the Bulldogs rallied with tries to Limilaiti Paea, Leteena Medland, Shafenior Lui and Lahnayah Daniel to close the gap to two points.

Unfortunately, the flow of points ended at 22, with the side's 2026 campaign now complete. 

Despite the result, Head Coach Charlotte Henry was quick to point out her side's willingness to fight until the very end. 

"Results did not go out way, but we are extremely proud of the girls and how they continued to fight until the very end," Henry said. 

It was a season filled with a lot of moving pieces, but also so much growth and learnings both individually and collectively as a team.

"We finish proudly as Bulldogs, and will continue to cheer for our Lisa Fiaola family this weekend."