Round 1 Predicted Teams: Bulldogs - Sexton needs to kick on, wing up for grabs, rising star could be benched

13th January, 2025

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The Roar

13th January, 2025

1733 Reads

As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2025, the Bulldogs have continued their impressive rebuild by strengthening their already impressive roster.

Canterbury are considered one of the dark horses in 2025 for the title after they finally broke their playoff drought last season under coach Cameron Ciraldo.

The Dogs have added more talent to their roster this season with Sitili Tupouniua coming across town from the Roosters and they have continued their rebuilding momentum with the signing of Kiwi prop Leo Thompson for next year.

They finally got into a groove midway through last season when Toby Sexton became Matt Burton’s halves partner and Connor Tracey stepped up at fullback which allowed Stephen Crichton to remain at centre, where he was still able to have a massive impact.

Their starting 13 is one of the most talented in the NRL and anything short of a top-four finish this season will be considered a disappointment.

Who’s new?

Tupouniua is a very good pick-up for Canterbury given he is still only 27 but has plenty of experience with 106 NRL games under his belt over the past seven seasons at the Roosters including the 2019 grand final win.

The Tongan second-rower is likely to slot in at the right edge or he could be used as a middle forward if Ciraldo wants to keep rising star Jacob Preston in the starting side.

The Dogs have also added Marcelo Montoya after he rejoined his junior club following a four-year stint at the Warriors, while former Knights centre Enari Tuala also provides depth in the outside backs.

Canterbury have signed prop Tom Amone from the Leigh Leopards. He started his career with brief stints at Souths and Wests Tigers and will give the Dogs extra size up front but is unlikely to crack the starting side.

Who’s gone?

Canterbury have shed plenty of contracts in the past few seasons and this summer was no different.

Josh Addo-Carr had his contract terminated after his roadside cocaine test towards the end of last season on the eve of the playoffs. Journeymen props Liam Knight and Zane Tetevano have been released.

Hayze Perham has joined the Broncos while Jeral Skelton has been snapped up by the Wests Tigers.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo looks on before the round 15 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium on June 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Key spots to unlock

Ciraldo is likely to stick with the spine combination which worked so well late last season with Tracey at fullback and Sexton in the No.7 jersey alongside Burton with Reed Mahoney providing quality service from dummy-half and non-stop tackling.

Montoya is favourite to start on the wing in Addo-Carr’s old spot, although Tuala and young gun Blake Wilson are also in the mix.

In the pack, Tupouniua’s arrival gives the Dogs extra grunt and arguably the most potent pair of second-rowers in the NRL with Viliame Kikau roaming the left edge.

Unlike recent seasons, the Canterbury line-up is much more settled and the nucleus of last year’s team will again be on the park in the opening round.

Roar editor Christy Doran made the trip to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org, diving into the city’s electric sports vibe, outdoor adventures, and renowned food scene. Click here for his latest adventure in the Emerald City.