NRL 2025: Canterbury Bulldogs predicted team list, latest squad news for Round 1

Cameron Ciraldo orchestrated a stunning revival during his second term in charge of Canterbury to make the Bulldogs one of the feel-good stories of the season.

After an indifferent start, the Dogs clicked in the second half of the campaign to surge up the ladder and spark jubilant scenes around Belmore as they qualified for the finals for the first time in eight years.

The Bulldogs only narrowly missed out on a top-four spot while boasting one of the best defensive records in the league but then went on to experience a heartbreaking late loss to Manly in their elimination final.

Yet despite the disappointing end to 2024, Ciraldo and the Dogs will now be full of optimism for what’s ahead.

Canterbury Bulldogs 2025 season preview

Stephen Crichton arrived from the foot of the mountains as a premiership winner with plenty of pedigree but went on to boost his profile within the game as he led the Dogs back to the finals.

The newly-appointed captain was brilliant in the centres as he ascended to be the undisputed best player in his position.

The Samoan international will need to replicate this form once again in 2025 although he will be without one of his partners in crime, with Josh Addo-Carr let go by the club.

Otherwise, Ciraldo has the same squad to choose from.

The club have added a couple of handy additions in Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone as they lean into a quick and mobile pack getting the job done through the middle once again.

Canterbury predicted team list for Round 1

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Bronson Xerri

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Burton

7. Toby Sexton

8. Max King

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Sam Hughes

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston

13. Kurt Mann

14. Jaeman Salmon

15. Josh Curran

16. Sitili Tupouniua

17. Tom Amone