Bulldogs 2024 preview: Canterbury keep trying to buy its way out of trouble

The Canterbury Bulldogs look to leave a toothless campaign behind them and shake off the struggles of the last twelve months by injecting even more big-name signings into its totally overhauled roster.

This time last year, huge pickups heading into 2023 bolstered confidence around a Canterbury Bulldogs side that then proceeded to dish up tepid performances and slide to quite a lucky 15th⁠—without the horrendous Tigers and Dragons, the Doggies were bound for a second spoon in three years.

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The biggest issue was their attack, which was surprising considering the magic coach Cameron Ciraldo worked at Penrith. It’s panic stations for a team that should be on the rise, and 2024 is a key year for that possible ascension.

Last year’s finish: Fifteenth, seven wins and 17 losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 15th, 12th, spoon, 15th, 12th, 12th, 11th, 7th (qualifying), 5th (semi), 7th (runners-up)

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Blake Taaffe
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Connor Tracey
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Liam Knight
11. Villiame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Josh Curran
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Samuel Hughes
17. Jaeman Salmon

Coach: Cameron Ciraldo

Biggest losses: Tevita Pangai Jr Biggest gains: Stephen Crichton, Josh Curran, Blake Taaffe

How 2024 is looking for Canterbury

To try and solve things, the Bulldogs have again turned to their wallets. Huge signings like three-time premier Stephen Crichton and pack workhouse Josh Curran should help shore up some of the club’s biggest issues, and Blake Taaffe is a very handy pickup from the Rabbitohs.

After last year, no one is trusting the Bulldogs to look any better. There was a lot of hope heading into 2023 and Canterbury repaid that with lackluster attack and tired defence for most of the season. If Ciraldo, Gus Gould, and the club want to renew expectations around their rebuild, they need to come out the gates firing with new signings like Crichton and Curran bedded in immediately.

Recent results leave The Sporting Base with no confidence Ciraldo and the Bulldogs bosses are the crew to do that though, and 2024 may be another season of tough watching for the Canterbury fandom.

Predicted 2024 finish: 16th

First five: Eels (A), Sharks (A), Titans (H), Rabbitohs (A), Roosters (H)

TopSport odds: Premiers $41, Make Top 4: $9, Make Final 8: $3.50, Miss The Top 8: $1.30

Pass mark: Get the squad’s many signings playing like a team.

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