The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: A Deep Dive by James Graham Following the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership Draw Announcement

As the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership draw was announced, all eyes turned to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, a club with a storied history but one that has faced its fair share of challenges in recent seasons. The Bulldogs have not been at the top of the NRL ladder for a while, but with the new season fast approaching, there is renewed hope for the team and its supporters. Former NRL legend James Graham, who spent over a decade with the Bulldogs, has been quick to offer his thoughts on the club’s trajectory, both in light of the newly revealed draw and its potential for the upcoming season.

Graham, known for his leadership on and off the field, provided an insightful analysis of the Bulldogs’ current squad, their prospects for 2025, and the key factors that will influence their success or failure in the upcoming campaign. Having seen the club’s highs and lows firsthand, Graham’s perspective offers a balanced and experienced viewpoint on what the Bulldogs can expect in the year ahead.

The Bulldogs’ Journey: From Glory to Rebuilding

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are one of the foundation clubs of the NRL, with a rich legacy of premiership victories, including eight Grand Final wins. However, the club has struggled to maintain its past dominance in recent years. Since their 2004 Premiership win, the Bulldogs have gone through a prolonged period of rebuilding, and despite moments of promise, they have failed to reach the heights that fans are accustomed to.

James Graham’s tenure at the Bulldogs, spanning from 2006 to 2017, was filled with both individual and collective achievements. He was an instrumental figure in the Bulldogs’ 2012 Grand Final appearance, where they were narrowly defeated by the Melbourne Storm. During his time, Graham was one of the NRL’s most respected forwards, known for his work ethic, grit, and leadership qualities.

Graham acknowledges the difficulty that the Bulldogs have faced over the last few seasons, with a combination of roster instability, injury woes, and inconsistent performances contributing to their inability to remain competitive in the top half of the competition. However, he believes that the club is finally starting to show signs of revival under the leadership of coach Trent Barrett (now Cameron Ciraldo, who took over in 2024) and the involvement of key recruits. The hope within the club is that 2025 could be a turning point.

Key 2025 NRL Draw Highlights for the Bulldogs

The release of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership draw has brought with it a sense of anticipation, particularly for the Bulldogs, who have been struggling to consistently match the powerhouses of the competition. According to James Graham, the 2025 draw presents an opportunity for the Bulldogs to test their mettle early on and build momentum throughout the year.

Opening Weeks and Early Season Challenges

Graham notes that the early rounds of the 2025 draw will be critical for the Bulldogs. Their fixtures in the opening weeks include tough matchups against teams like the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers, and Melbourne Storm, who have been among the top contenders in recent seasons. These games, while difficult, will provide the Bulldogs with an opportunity to measure their progress against some of the best sides in the competition.

“The start of the season is always crucial, especially when you’re trying to climb the ladder,” Graham said. “The Bulldogs have had a tendency to fall behind early in the season, and it’s something that can make or break a campaign. If they want to be taken seriously in 2025, they need to be competitive from the outset.”

Graham acknowledged that while these early games will be tough, they can also serve as a valuable gauge for the Bulldogs’ readiness for the grind of a full NRL season. He emphasized that consistency in defense and attack will be key to taking on the league’s elite sides.

Mid-Season Fixtures: Gaining Confidence

The mid-point of the season, Graham believes, will be pivotal in determining the Bulldogs’ ability to make a push for the finals. The draw offers them the chance to play against some of the more evenly matched teams in the competition, such as the Cronulla Sharks, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Gold Coast Titans. These are games that, on paper, the Bulldogs should be targeting for victory.

“If the Bulldogs can get through the tough early part of the season without losing too much ground, the mid-season fixtures are a perfect opportunity to build some confidence,” Graham explained. “The teams they face will be tough, but not invincible. These are the games that they need to be winning consistently if they want to make a real push for the finals.”

In particular, Graham highlighted the matchups against South Sydney and Cronulla, two teams that are often in contention but have had their own struggles with consistency. Winning these games would give the Bulldogs much-needed confidence as they head toward the back end of the season.

Final Stretch and the Race for the Finals

The final stretch of the 2025 season will be an exciting period for the Bulldogs. As the draw wraps up, they will face several teams vying for playoff positions, with high-stakes matchups that could determine the fate of their season. For Graham, this period is where true character is tested.

“If the Bulldogs are still in the hunt for a finals spot by the back end of the season, they’ll be facing pressure in every game,” he said. “This is where the leadership and composure of the squad will come into play. They need to be able to handle the pressure and execute under the most difficult of circumstances.”

The Bulldogs’ final games against sides like the Canberra Raiders, Newcastle Knights, and Wests Tigers will be crucial. These teams will be fighting for their own spots in the top eight, making every match an opportunity for the Bulldogs to assert their claim for a finals berth.

The Squad: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Areas for Improvement

While the 2025 NRL draw presents both challenges and opportunities, much of the Bulldogs’ success will depend on the performance of their players. For James Graham, the club’s strength lies in its forward pack, which is one of the most physical and competitive in the competition.

“The Bulldogs have some really strong forwards, and they’ve made some great signings over the past couple of years,” Graham said. “With the likes of Viliame Kikau, Max King, and Tevita Pangai Jr., they have a forward pack that can mix it with anyone. But for the Bulldogs to go to the next level, it’s about finding the right balance and depth throughout the squad.”

However, Graham also pointed to some areas where the Bulldogs need to improve, particularly in their attack. Despite having a strong forward pack, the team’s attacking structures have often been inconsistent, and their inability to break down solid defensive lines has been a problem.

“The forwards will give them the platform, but the team needs to be more creative in attack,” Graham stated. “The spine is where it all starts, and with the likes of Jake Averillo, Mattais Mbye, and Reed Mahoney, they’ve got the right players to take control of games. But they need to develop more fluidity in attack, especially when they’re under pressure.”

One of the key issues for the Bulldogs in 2025 will be their ability to balance the youth with experienced heads. Graham believes that the introduction of some promising young players alongside seasoned veterans will be essential in pushing the Bulldogs to new heights. It is a challenge for coach Cameron Ciraldo to integrate these younger players while maintaining the team’s intensity and focus.

Leadership and Coaching: A Key Focus

Graham also discussed the importance of leadership within the Bulldogs camp, especially with the appointment of Cameron Ciraldo as head coach. Ciraldo, who has a wealth of experience as an assistant coach with the Penrith Panthers, brings with him a strong understanding of successful systems. Graham believes Ciraldo’s leadership will be key to unlocking the potential within this Bulldogs squad.

“Cameron Ciraldo has a great pedigree, and I think he’s the right man to take this team forward,” Graham said. “He knows what success looks like, and he’s built that mentality with Penrith. For the Bulldogs, it’s about buying into that system, developing a winning culture, and staying focused throughout the season.”

Leadership will also come from senior players, and for Graham, the likes of Kikau, Mahoney, and Averillo need to take ownership of the team’s direction. It is critical that these players step up and guide the younger members of the squad, creating a cohesive unit that plays for each other.

Conclusion: A Season of Promise and Potential

As James Graham looks ahead to the 2025 NRL season for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, there is a sense of cautious optimism. The club is on the right path with an experienced coach, a promising squad, and a tough draw that will test their resolve. If the Bulldogs can maintain consistency, strengthen their attacking game, and capitalize on their forward strength, they have the potential to compete for a finals spot.

For Graham, the key to the Bulldogs’ success will lie in their ability to execute on the big stage and handle the pressure that comes with the NRL competition. As a former Bulldog who has seen the club at its best, he believes this team is capable of a resurgence.

“The Bulldogs have all the tools,” Graham concluded. “It’s just about putting it all together, staying disciplined, and fighting for every point. If they can do that, 2025 could be the year they start climbing back to where they belong.”