In a disappointing NRL match, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo criticized his team for making "soft decisions" during a 24-16 defeat to the Newcastle Knights, who were missing $3 million in talent.
Dominic Young netted his third career hat-trick as the Knights surged to a 16-0 lead at halftime at Accor Stadium, fending off a late surge from Canterbury.
Newcastle played without key players such as captain Kalyn Ponga and five-eighth Dylan Brown due to injury, along with starting prop Trey Mooney, who was out due to suspension.
Despite their struggles last season, the Knights have begun this year strongly under new coach Justin Holbrook, boasting a 3-1 record, their best start since 2020.
However, Ciraldo's frustration was evident as his side failed to impress in front of a crowd of 20,572 fans.
"I'm just disappointed with the performance, we were nowhere near where we wanted to be," he remarked.
He added, "I thought we were brave for long periods defending, but then there were some soft decisions under fatigue, and that's why we went in at halftime at 16-0 down."
The Knights struck first within six minutes through Young and managed to absorb pressure when Dylan Lucas was sinbinned for a professional foul.
After securing five goal-line drop-outs, the arrival of Harrison Graham infused energy into the Knights, leading to scores from Tyson Frizell and Lucas late in the first half.