NRL 2025: Canterbury Bulldogs predicted team list, latest squad news for Round 1…
Cameron Ciraldo orchestrated a stunning revival during his second term in charge of Canterbury to make the Bulldogs one of the feel-good stories of the season
After an indifferent start, the Dogs clicked in the second half of the campaign to surge up the ladder and spark jubilant scenes around Belmore as they qualified for the finals for the first time in eight years
The Bulldogs only narrowly missed out on a top-four spot while boasting one of the best defensive records in the league but then went on to experience a heartbreaking late loss to Manly in their elimination final
Yet despite the disappointing end to 2024, Ciraldo and the Dogs will now be full of optimism for what’s ahead
Canterbury Bulldogs 2025 season preview
Stephen Crichton arrived from the foot of the mountains as a premiership winner with plenty of pedigree but went on to boost his profile within the game as he led the Dogs back to the finals.
The newly-appointed captain was brilliant in the centres as he ascended to be the undisputed best player in his position
The Samoan international will need to replicate this form once again in 2025 although he may be without one of his partners in crime, with Josh Addo-Carr’s future at the club currently uncertain
Other than the conjecture around the former Australia and New South Wales representative, Ciraldo has the same squad to choose from.
The club have added a couple of handy additions in Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone as they lean into a quick and mobile pack getting the job done through the middle
Canterbury predicted team list for Round
Bulldogs latest team news ahead of Round
Stephen Crichton was in the frame to start at fullback in 2024 before an injury in the off-season meant he remained in the centres
After a stellar campaign in his usual spot and Connor Tracey impressing at the back, the Bulldogs are unlikely to change a winning formula. Blake Taaffe will serve as the back-up
Josh Addo-Carr’s days appear to be numbered at Belmore after he became embroiled in a drug scandal on the eve of finals. Marcelo Montoya has returned to the club and may be set to take his spot on the wing
Matt Burton and Toby Sexton will partner in the halves after the latter established himself in the team ahead of Drew Hutchison
Max King and Sam Hughes are likely to continue their starting partnership in the front row, although they will face competition from new signing Tom Amone
Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston will start in the backrow with Sitili Tupouniua likely to have to bide his time from the bench after signing from the Roosters
Kurt Mann missed the latter stages of the season due to injury but will retake his place at lock for the opening round with Jaeman Salmon providing support off the pine
Josh Curran will start off the bench after being rewarded for a great first season at the Dogs with a contract extension.
Kurtis Morrin and Bailey Hayward were regular members of the team last season and will once again be firmly in the mix for places in the 17.
Meanwhile, Karl Oloapu and Ryan Sutton are finally set to return from long-term injuries and be in the mix for selection.
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