The Club began its 92nd campaign in the top league in the bright lights of Las Vegas in the NRL's third venture to the US, facing the St George Illawarra at Allegiant Stadium.
In front of over 45,000 spectators, Cameron Ciraldo's men ground out a tough 15-14 victory to start their season on a winning note, with Stephen Crichton booting the winning field goal in Golden Point, while also providing a try for Jacob Kiraz and kicking three goals.
NRL Highlights: Bulldogs vs Dragons - Round 1, 2026
Following two weeks away, the Bulldogs backed up in a tense 14-10 victory in Canberra against the 2025 Minor Premiers, with fullback Connor Tracey's defensive prowess proving critical in claiming the two competition points.
While the side's attack continued to develop, two minor setbacks came in the form of losses to Newcastle and South Sydney. However, the side produced arguably one of their greatest wins in the Ciraldo era in Round 6, thumping the undefeated Penrith Panthers 32-16 in a memorable performance at Accor Stadium.
NRL Match Highlights: Bulldogs v Panthers - Round 6, 2026
Off-season signing Leo Thompson made his highly-anticipated debut in Round 7 after a pre-season injury saw him sidelined, becoming Bulldog no.878.
A slew of young guns including Alekolasimi Jones, Jack Underhill and Jed Reardon were promoted to the first-grade side following long-term injuries to key players including Jacob Kiraz, Jacob Preston and Viliame Kikau.
Favourite son Marcelo Montoya called time on his career in Round 21, retiring effective immediately. The 30-year-old Fiji International featured in 162 NRL matches after debuting with the Club in 2017, returning to the Club after a stint with the Warriors.
NRL Match Highlights: Bulldogs v Storm - Round 12, 2026
After a slump of poor form, the side rose to the occasion during the State of Origin period as troops returned, recording famous wins against the Storm, Eels, Sea Eagles, Tigers and Warriors, giving the side a sniff of returning to the finals.
Unfortunately, their late run fell short in the Round 26 clash against Minor Premiers Penrith, with a final-round defeat to the defending Premiers - the Brisbane Broncos - consigning them to a 12th placed finish.
NRLW Highlights: Round 3, 2026 - Bulldogs vs Sharks
In his first full season at the Club, halfback Lachlan Galvin was a shining light, with the 21-year-old claiming the Dr George Peponis Medal as player of the year.
Becoming the youngest recipient of the award, Galvin's class and poise in the no.7 was a highlight for an otherwise disappointing season, while Jones claimed Rookie of the Year honours.
The NRLW side kicked off their second campaign with a new-look squad that featured a number of faces of the future.
While the season started slowly, the Bulldogs slowly rose to the occasion, claiming back-to-back scalps against Cronulla (24-18) and St George Illawarra (28-8).
NRLW Match Highlights: Bulldogs v Dragons - Round 4, 2026
A third victory in Round 6, a thriller at Belmore Sports Ground against the North Queensland Cowboys set the side on a trajectory to a finals berth, however, a tough run home saw the side finish the season with five successive defeats.
A brave final round performance against the all-conquering Sydney Roosters saw the Blue and Whites take an impressive 12-10 lead at the break, only to fall 42-12 after a controversial sin-binning mid-way through the second half allowed Easts to run away with the result.
Powerhouse forward Alexis Tauaneai was crowned as the Bulldogs' NRLW Player of the Year, while former Club legend Mark O'Meley was announced as the side's Head Coach for season 2027.
George Peponis Medal 2026: Lachlan Galvin
