The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs ended a five-game losing streak last week, revitalizing their momentum during the critical Origin period.
They secured a 30-20 victory against a weakened Melbourne Storm side on Friday, yet it remains to be seen if the Belmore boys can solidify their status as contenders come September.
This win marked a significant positive stride, bringing two points, but I remain uncertain about their ability to compete with the Top 4 teams consistently.
Entering the season, expectations for the Bulldogs were sky-high, with many anticipating them to be a strong contender in the 2026 competition.
At various moments, they've displayed dominant play, yet at other times, their attack has appeared disjointed. The key will be to establish consistency and build on it week after week.
They have an ideal opportunity to demonstrate their potential when they face the Wests Tigers on Saturday, a team that is welcoming back several key players to their roster.
Apisai Koroisau (suspension), Heamasi Makasini (foot), and Alex Twal (knee) will all make a return for the Tigers, significantly enhancing their lineup.
Jacob Kiraz will keep the fullback position after an impressive performance post-injury in their latest game.
However, with Jacob Preston sidelined due to a fractured arm, the Bulldogs will need to dig deep into their roster, similar to the Tigers, who have faced their own challenges with injuries recently.