Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Canterbury Bulldogs roster concerns have moved into sharp focus as the club heads toward Round 15 outside the NRL top eight and unlikely to end its premiership drought in 2026.
The Bulldogs began the season with title hopes under Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould, but attention has now turned to their spine, salary cap balance and whether their key positions are strong enough.
For more State of Origin and NRL selection news, read Mitchell Moses Faces Fitness Race as Laurie Daley Reveals Origin Game 2 Plans.
Bulldogs Face Big Off-Season Calls
Code Sports reporter Brent Read said Canterbury have several major calls to make once this season is finished.
“There’s a ton of stuff they need to work out in this off-season,” Read said on NRL 360.
“They’ve got to work out what they’re doing with Burton. Are they going to keep him, move him to the centres or pay him what he can get in the open market?
“They’ ve got to decide what they’re doing at fullback. They’ve got so many issues they’ve got to resolve.
“They’ve got to get through this year first with all the dramas that’s going on. It’s a big six months.”
Official NRL fixtures, results and ladder updates can be followed through the NRL website.
Spine Balance Under Scrutiny
Michael Carayannis said the Bulldogs have invested heavily in Matt Burton and Lachie Galvin, but still have questions at fullback and hooker.
“I think their list is still heavily invested in their halves. Matt Burton is on good money, Lachie Galvin is on good money,” Carayannis said.
“And then obviously Connor Tracey wouldn’t be on top end and Bailey Hayward wouldn’t be on top end so they’ve still invested quite a significant money but they’ve just got the combination wrong.”
Canterbury have signed Freddy Lussick from the Penrith Panthers on a two-year deal, adding another dummy-half option for next season.
Read said the Bulldogs should have pushed harder for Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula before he signed a long-term deal.
“I think they need to spend more on their spine. I think they should’ve gone harder at Jahrema Bula when they had the chance,” Read said.