They may have crumbled in last year’s final series, but the Bulldogs have all the ingredients to make their first grand final in over a decade this season.
Cameron Cirlado’s team has been steadily improving each of the last three seasons and there’s no reason they can’t continue to do so this campaign.
Last year they finished third in the regular season, had the best defence in the NRL and showed they were capable of scoring some sizzling tries.
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The team did lose its way when Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney were dumped for Lachlan Galvin and Bailey Hayward in the key spine positions of halfback and hooker but that short term pain could well result in long term gain this season.
The one doubt over the team – fire power up front – was addressed with the addition of Knights colossus Leo Thompson, although his pre-season injury that will see him miss up to 10 rounds is a setback.
“It wasn’t ideal for sure,” coach Cameron Ciraldo told Wide World of Sports.
“But we have plenty of good young forwards coming through capable of filling the breach.”
The much-hyped Galvin will again start in the key halfback role and, having had the summer to adapt to his new surroundings, should be more at home directing the team around the park.
The Bulldogs have been working heavily on their attack over the summer and it’s an area they need to step up in.
Yes, they came third in 2025 – but scored the fewest points of any of the top four teams and that has to be a concern.
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Even some teams that missed the top eight entirely still outscored the Dogs.
With attacking weapons like Stephen Crichton, Bronson Xerri, Jacob Preston, Viliame Kikau and Jacob Kiraz, they have more points in them than they are putting on the board.
The Bulldogs have the class and depth to emulate last year’s top four finish and if anything, could do even better in 2026 – if the attack clicks.
They have retained all the players they wanted to keep from last season and Knights recruit Thompson adds size and fear factor up front.
With Mahoney off to the Cowboys, Hayward slots into the hooking role and he should improve his dummy half skills with an off-season to prepare.
Barking at the heels of the top 17 will be the likes of Lipoi Hopoi, Enari Tuala, Sam Hughes, Woods and Kade Dykes – the sort of depth you need in a long season.
2026 gains: Leo Thompson (Knights), Kade Dykes (Sharks), Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Sea Eagles)
2026 losses: Toby Sexton (Catalans), Reed Mahoney (Cowboys), Blake Taaffe (Castleford), Kurtis Morrin (Titans), Blake Wilson (Sea Eagles), Luke Smith (London Broncos), Joseph O’Neill (Dragons)
Best buy: Once Thompson gets back from injury, he will give the Bulldogs the real fear factor they have lacked up front in recent seasons. If he fires he could lead the way to a grand final spot.
It’s a big season for: With the Bulldogs, it all comes back to Galvin – the club gambled by throwing him the keys to the attack in place of the steady Toby Sexton last season with mixed results. Now it’s time to produce.
Biggest question mark: The spine of Connor Tracey, Matt Burton, Sexton and Hayward doesn’t have the resume of some of the league’s more fancied outfits – can they fire in the big games?
Finish last year (after 26 rounds): 3rd
Predicted finish: 4th
Best 19 man squad
1. Connor Tracey
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Bronson Xerri
5. Jacob Kiraz
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Leo Thompson
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Max King
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Kurt Mann
Interchange
14. Jaeman Salmon
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Josh Curran
17. Harry Hayes
18. Sean O’Sullivan
19. Jake Turpin
Odds to win comp: $12
