LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
A Thousand Reasons to Celebrate: Bulldogs Thump Manly in '95 Tribute
In a memorable tribute, the Bulldogs of 2025 showcased their skills, dominating Manly with standout performances from Sam Hughes, Jacob Kiraz, and Bronson Xerri, each scoring two tries.
Captain Stephen Crichton added to the triumph by converting all seven of his goal attempts.
The celebration brought together fifteen of the seventeen members from the premiership-winning 1995 team, along with Head Coach Chris Anderson, who were honored on the field.
They recreated their lap of honor before an enthusiastic crowd of 25,801 at Allianz Stadium.
After struggling to capitalize on their first two entries into Manly's territory, the Bulldogs finally broke through with a strategic play.
A kick from Burton led to an error that allowed Hughes to charge to the line, giving the Bulldogs an early 6-nil lead with Crichton's successful conversion after just fifteen minutes.
Despite a brief momentum shift aided by a 40/20 kick from Daly Cherry-Evans, the Bulldogs maintained their defensive strength, notably when Connor Tracey thwarted an attempt by Jason Saab just meters from the goal line.