BULLDOGS’ REBUILD LOOKS TO HAVE BITE

It’s been a comprehensive rebuild at the Bulldogs over the past few seasons but this year there’s an expectation that things will start to come together. They need to do nothing else but win to prove all the upheaval has worked.

BACKS

Penrith’s premiership hero Stephen Crichton is the biggest addition to the Bulldogs and he’s promptly been handed the captaincy in a clear sign of his importance to the team.

His skill, athleticism and experience add some class to the backline to help support Josh Addo-Carr and Jacob Kiraz on the wings, with Connor Tracey and Bronson Xerri all pushing for spots too. There’s so much versatility in the Bulldogs squad and this is one area coach Cameron Ciraldo could chop and change to find the right combinations.

SPINE

Reed Mahoney is Mr Consistent, while there’s a handful of players capable of lining up with Matt Burton in the halves this year, including Toby Sexton, Blake Taaffe, Drew Hutchison, Jaeman Salmon and Connor Tracey.

Although Taaffe is most likely to nail down the No.1 jersey, Stephen Crichton and Tracey are also options and, just like the backline, it may take a while for the team to figure out what works and how they want to play.

FORWARDS

No one expects much from the Bulldogs’ forwards this year, but that’s how they like it. As part of this rebuild, they’ve managed to put together a smaller but gutsy pack. The addition of Josh Curran and Kurt Mann are handy signings and reflect that formula perfectly. Viliame Kikau is still the key to the pack, but Max King is growing in estimations every season, while Jacob Preston, Jake Turpin and Liam Knight are solid contributors.