LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Canterbury Bulldogs enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, but ultimately, their success came to an abrupt end.
Like a rugby league game played in two halves, the Bulldogs' season mirrored this structure.
It began on a high note, with a strong and cohesive group of players who dominated the league, quickly ascending to the top of the ladder.
While their favorable draw largely kept them in Sydney, they still secured several impressive victories.
However, a series of perplexing decisions made by coach Cameron Ciraldo and director of football Phil Gould seemingly triggered a downward spiral for the Belmore team.
Despite maintaining a competitive edge through the latter half of the season, which earned them a top-four finish, they missed the chance for a home qualifying final. Their campaign ended with a disappointing loss to the Melbourne Storm and a subsequent elimination by the four-time champions, the Penrith Panthers.
The factors leading to their downfall have been widely discussed and require no further elaboration, particularly concerning team selection. Nevertheless, it's clear that the Bulldogs find themselves in a challenging position as the league gears up for 2026.