They epitomise the 'Underdogs' tag, and Josh Jackson's Grand Final-bound Jersey Flegg Cup side are ready to return to Premiership glory against the highly-fancied Penrith Panthers this Saturday.
Jackson was an assistant in the Club's 2023 success, before taking the side to back-to-back titles - and now he's back at the helm to face Penrith this Saturday afternoon at CommBank Stadium.
Highlighting the Club's heavy investment towards player development in recent years, eleven players from both the 2023 and 2024 Grand Final line ups have since made their NRL debut.
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That list includes Harry Hayes, Jethro Rinakama, Jack Underhill and Jed Reardon, while 2026 Rookie of the Year Alekolasimi 'AJ' Jones was on the sidelines with an injury in the 2024 victory.
"For me it isn't about the team winning and making Grand Finals; it's about play development and really, players progressing through the system," Jackson admitted.
"So that's the number one job, player development. It's a great reward for the staff as well, who put in a heap of time and for the players to see them rewarded for their effort.
"For me as a coach, that's the most rewarding thing. It's having some part of their journey, watching them progress and making their NRL debuts in front of their families. It's really cool to see.
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"From a fan perspective, it's great watching kids come through and seeing over the next 12-18 months watching them progress and eventually become first-graders.
"Now I see a lot of the guys come down and watch the pathways games, and they love that side of it, watching those players come through."
Without isolating any individuals, the Bud Smith-led squad has a number of stand-outs, but according to Jackson, the squad's progression from third place to the decider has come off the back of honest, tough work.
It's no surprise to see the same hard-working spirit that Jackson typified through his eleven-year, 241-game career in Blue and White has now been ingrained in his squad.
"They're good people first and foremost, and they work hard. They're a very connected team," Jackson explained.
That's where the success comes from - they're just willing to work hard and work hard together and they've all contributed throughout the year.
"I think I said to the boys on the weekend after the win, I don't think I've ever seen the team work as hard as they as they work, and they're also prepared to work.
"I would say the majority of the wins that we've had this year, they've certainly been far from perfect - the win on the weekend was far from perfect. But it's just their effort.
"This group wins purely off effort."
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The Bulldogs' navigation to the final weekend of September hasn't been an easy one by any stretch of the imagination.
It started out with a 28-nil drubbing at the hands of the Dragons in Round 1 - the very team they toppled last weekend to qualify for the Grand Final.
After that, it wouldn't be until Round 8 where the side would face defeat, with just two more losses between then and Round 25.
Three successive losses heading into the finals is far from ideal, but Jackson believes that a major factor for the side's success has been their staying power, which has led to a vast improvement in performance.
"Well, there's been a fair chunk of boys that were here last year. And there are a couple that were part of it in 2024 as well," he explained.
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"Last year we didn't even make the semis, so it's been great seeing the guys that were a part of the squad last year improved so much in the last 12-18 months.
"Every single player in the squad has improved a lot. And that's the best part about pathways coaching, because you can see them progress and improve so quickly. You're seeing them grow as well, from young men to adults.
"AJ Jones is a great example of someone who has been a part of the squad the last few years, and watching him from when he very first got here, he's really matured from the kid that arrived at Belmore."
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The Bulldogs now find themselves in a unique situation as they face the Panthers for a third time in four weeks, having been scheduled to play them in Round 26, before being drawn against them in the first week of finals.
For Jackson, the side's focus this week has shifted away from the other side of the field and coming back down to what his team can control.
"It's an interesting one, isn't it?" he said.
"What we've learned in the last sort of period since we played them was our need to focus on our strengths, as opposed to what to expect from the Panthers.
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"It's a bit of a regular cliche, but we're really conscious on us being at our best, rather than worrying about what the Panthers are doing."
The selfless Head Coach gave one final tribute to his dedicated coaching staff, highlighting their major contributions to the side's preparations and gameday.
I just can't thank them enough," Jackson said.
I'm here full-time but they've all got, you know, families. They've got full-time jobs. They come in every afternoon, they give up all their time to be part of someone's journey and to watch those kids do well and help them be successful.
Bulldogs Members and supporters can support the boys live and purchase tickets for the 2026 NSWRL Grand Final Day here. For those unable to make it, the match will be streamed live on BarTv via a paid subscription.
