NRL: Canterbury Bulldogs NRL team
The Canterbury Bulldogs NRL team, based out of Belmore in the Canterbury-to-Bankstown area of Sydney. The Bulldogs club was formed in 1935 when it was admitted into the NSW Rugby Football League premiership. They have won a total of eight premierships with 1988, 1995 and 2004 being the most recent. Wide World of Sports brings you Bulldogs breaking news headlines, player rosters, trades, injuries and match results.
The Mole: Bulldogs facing ‘huge decision’ over ‘rusty’ recruit Bronson Xerri
Plenty of critics have slammed the Bulldogs for their recruitment for 2024 – but I don’t mind it.
Guru Phil Gould has got rid of a lot of dead wood and while he has only signed one top flight player in Stephen Crichton, he has come up with useful gains at bargain prices.
But the dilemma for coach Cameron Ciraldo will be where to play his newbies.
Of the 2024 signings, Connor Tracey (Sharks), Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Drew Hutchison (Roosters) and Kurt Mann (Knights) are all utilities.
That can be an advantage for Ciraldo, having players who can cover multiple positions, but it could also cause him trouble when he chooses his team every week.
Time will tell.
RUSTY’ QUERY OVER CONTROVERSIAL RECRUIT
The other big call Ciraldo has to make is what to do with controversial recruit Bronson Xerri.
Xerri is a powerhouse ball-running centre and has been training superbly – but is coming back after four seasons on the sidelines due to a drugs ban.
After such a long absence, the 23-year-old former Shark is bound to be rusty – and a couple of trials may not be enough to get him back to his best.
Does Ciraldo start him slowly in the lower grades to get his mind and body back in the game – or throw him straight into the fire?
It’s a huge decision.
COACH’S NO.1 DECISION
Fullback has become the game’s super position in recent seasons, and Ciraldo has four contenders for the key No.1 jumper come March.
Incumbent Hayze Perham played some solid football last season without being spectacular, while new chums Taaffe, Crichton and Tracey all have claims to play at the back.
Taaffe will probably get first crack at the key spot – unless he starts in the halves!
