LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
bulldogs.com.au are reporting NRL Round 1 Match Preview: Old Rivalry Fires Up
Cameron Ciraldo's men have emerged from the Pre-Season Challenge with one win and one loss, but the Head Coach is looking for more bite in defence and stronger teamwork in attack when they hit the turf at Netstrata Jubilee on March 8.
They will kick off their season without outside backs Jacob Kiraz and Enari Tuala, but their backline is stacked with talent, featuring Connor Tracey, Stephen Crichton, Bronson Xerri, and Matt Burton all revved up and ready to go.
The Dragons, with new recruits Clint Gutherson, Val Holmes, and Damien Cook, showed promising signs, looking more dynamic and threatening than in 2024, scoring 13 tries over two matches and coming oh so close to claiming the Pre-Season crown.
Coach Shane Flanagan must've seen something special in halves Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan as they honed their partnership, while Jack de Belin, Emre Guler, Ryan Couchman, and Luciano Leilua all had their moments to shine.
If the Dragons want to break their losing streak against the Bulldogs, they'll need to be firing on all cylinders, as they haven't beaten the Blue and Whites since Round 12, 2022.
It's sure to be a cracker of a match that fans won't want to miss!