Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2025 season preview
2024 recap
The Bulldogs were outstanding in 2024, climbing from 15th the previous season to sixth, and reaching their first finals series since 2016 in the process.
The Dogs played some outstanding footy throughout the year, and were desperately unlucky to go out in week one of the finals to Manly.
2024 position: 6th (Lost 24-22 to Manly Sea Eagles in week one of finals)
Key signings
Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards), Marcelo Montoya (New Zealand Warriors), Enari Tuala (Newcastle Knights), Sitili Tupouniua (Sydney Roosters)
Key departures
Josh Addo-Carr (Parramatta Eels), Harrison Edwards (North Queensland Cowboys), Poasa Faamausili (Retired), Kitione Kautoga (Parramatta Eels), Joash Papalii (Parramatta Eels), Chris Patolo (Manly Sea Eagles), Hayze Perham (Brisbane Broncos), Jordan Samrani (Parramatta Eels), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Retired)
Players to watch
After a highly impressive stint with Leigh Leopards in the Championship and Super League, Tom Amone is back in the NRL. The 28 year-old prop managed 17 games during his time with the Rabbitohs and the Tigers, but after close to 80 games for the Leopards, including a Challenge Cup Final victory at Wembley, he’s back Down Under and will be raring to go.
Stephen Crichton just continues to go from strength to strength, and in my eyes, he’s the best centre in the world. The Bulldogs captain led by example last year, and crossed for 10 tries in his debit season after a trophy-laden spell at the Panthers. If he can stay injury-free in 2025, the Dogs could well be Premiership contenders.
Young gun
The Bulldogs fought off stiff competition from AFL and rugby union to secure Mitchell Woods to a long-term contract, with big things expected from the 18 year-old halfback. The teenager starred in Canterbury’s youth teams, and was also part of Sydney Swans’ academy, as well as the NSW Waratahs junior programmes. Fortunately for the NRL, he’s sticking with rugby league, and a first grade debut is a distinct possibility in 2025.
Our prediction – 3rd
I was really impressed with the Bulldogs in 2024, and thought they were desperately unlucky to lose in week one of the finals. They haven’t had any major losses in the off-season either, except maybe Josh Addo-Carr, so I’m expecting them to improve even further in 2025, and they’re possible Premiership contenders.
