LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Warriors website is buzzing with news of the Bulldogs facing a monumental challenge as they attempt to rise from the ashes like a phoenix in the world of Rugby League.
For the loyal and long-suffering armies of Bulldogs and Dragons fans, patience has been more of a sporting endurance test than a simple virtue over the past decade.
After a string of five consecutive finals appearances between 2012-2016, the Bulldogs have found themselves struggling to keep their heads above water in the rough seas of Rugby League, failing to finish higher than 11th in the past seven seasons.
The ignominy of claiming the wooden spoon in 2021 only added insult to injury for the team's devoted supporters.
Meanwhile, the Dragons managed to reach the second week of the playoffs in 2018, but since then, they have been stuck in a downward spiral, finishing in 15th, 12th, 11th, 10th, and a dismal 16th place in the five grueling seasons that followed.
As the final whistle blew on the 2023 regular season, the Bulldogs and Dragons had only mustered a total of 12 wins between them, leaving them out of contention for the playoffs once again.
Under the guidance of Des Hasler, the Bulldogs managed to salvage some pride and finish in seventh place, showing signs of a potential revival.
However, the Dragons could only muster two wins in their last eight games, tumbling down to 11th place on the ladder like a house of cards.
As the Bulldogs face this daunting challenge, they will need to dig deep and draw on all their reserves of strength and determination to turn their fortunes around.
The Dragons, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup and rebuild to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in the world of Rugby League.
Only time will tell if these two teams can rise to the occasion and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.