Could the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ 2024 season have gone any better? When you think about it, not really. They finished in 15th place with the poorest defense and second-worst attack in the tournament last year, raising doubts about whether Cameron Ciraldo was the coach he was supposed to be.
This is astounding. Additionally, they were too tiny and overloaded with utilities at the beginning of the year.
After two heartbreaking losses in the season’s closing rounds, the Bulldogs’ 2024 season ended in a finals week one exit against the Sea Eagles, which club supporters may ultimately regret.
Nonetheless, Canterbury’s incredible performance is typified by the fact that they were able to get not just to the finals for the first time since 2016, but also were considered as possible smokeys for the Premiership at one point during the season.
Hire Their season was driven by Stephen Crichton’s leadership and outstanding play, making him not just one of Canterbury’s finest signings but also one of the NRL’s best investments of the century.
While Ciraldo was unfortunate not to win Coach of the Year, Crichton was named to the Dally M Team of the Year at center and received the Dally M Captain of the Year award.
In August, the Canterbury veteran said on NRL 360 that the 23-year-old was just behind Nathan (Cleary) at the moment as the best player in the competition.
Bronson Xerri reminded the opposition of his skills, Connor Tracey proved to be a truly reliable NRL No. 1, while Matt Burton, Reed Mahoney, and Viliame Kikau all had their greatest seasons in blue and white.
As Sam Hughes, Bailey Hayward, Harry Hayes, Lipoi Hopoi, Kurtis Morrin, and Blake Wilson all established themselves as extremely good first-grade prospects, Canterbury also brought a number of juniors into their system.
With all indications that this season will not be an anomaly, these elements combined to create what was likely the best Bulldogs season since they advanced to the 2024 championship game.