LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canterbury Bulldogs have emerged as dark horses in the finals race despite facing salary cap challenges, with club legend Phil Gould revealing that they are sitting pretty $1.6 million under their cap for the 2024 season.
This financial advantage sets them up nicely for the upcoming transfer market in 2025, giving them a leg up in securing top talent.
Although the Bulldogs showcased their potential as genuine contenders this year, their dreams were dashed in a nail-biting first-round clash against the Manly Sea Eagles, prematurely ending their finals campaign.
It's been a long eight years since Canterbury last graced the finals stage, but the loyal Belmore faithful are more proud than ever of their team's spirited NRL campaign this season.
In a twist that has sparked both excitement among Bulldogs fans and concern among rival clubs, it has been revealed that coach Cameron Ciraldo managed to lead his side to the finals while operating $700,000 under the salary cap.
This amount is equivalent to the salary of a marquee player who has the potential to single-handedly turn the tide of a game, highlighting the impressive feat achieved by Ciraldo and his squad.