Backlash Against Bulldogs Over Curran's Bench Time

Josh Curran's partner has publicly criticized the Canterbury Bulldogs after the forward was left on the bench throughout the match against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, despite his significant role in the club's Indigenous Round promotions.

The Bulldogs faced a narrow 20-18 defeat against the Roosters, while Curran, named among the six interchange players, was unable to influence the game from the sidelines.

This decision triggered a robust discussion among Bulldogs fans on social media, particularly one comment on the club's Instagram post following the game.

"It's crazy using Curran for clout for Indigenous round & not giving him 1 minute on the field when he's been one of the best the last month. Make that make sense, family club…" the fan stated.

Curran's partner later shared a screenshot of the comment on her Instagram story, seemingly in agreement, and also commented "PREACH Aunty!" on another post that criticized the team's decision.

"As a Blackfulla, it's so disappointing to see your ONLY Indigenous player listed get no time on the field during the one round where we're meant to be celebrating the Indigenous players. Do better, Bulldogs, for Josh and for your Indigenous supporters who went into that game excited to see someone they look up to representing their culture spend 80 minutes on the bench," she added.

Her post has since been removed, but the original comment remains visible under the Bulldogs' post.

Many other comments under that post echoed similar sentiments, questioning why Curran was kept off the field, especially after his key involvement in the Indigenous Round campaign.

A proud Darug man, Curran led the Bulldogs onto the field on Friday night, draped in the Aboriginal flag, yet he ultimately sat on the interchange bench for the entire match.