2025 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Officially Contracted 30-Man Line-Up: A Glimpse into the Future of the NRL
As the 2025 NRL season approaches, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are ready to embark on a new chapter of their storied history. After a transformative 2024 campaign, the club has set its sights on building a competitive roster that can not only contend for the finals but also return to the NRL’s elite ranks. The Bulldogs’ official 30-man contracted squad for the 2025 season includes a mix of seasoned veterans, promising young talent, and some key acquisitions aimed at bolstering both the attack and defense. This line-up reflects a year of strategic recruitment, internal development, and long-term planning under the leadership of head coach Cameron Ciraldo.
The Key Players in the 2025 Bulldogs Roster
The Bulldogs’ squad for 2025 is built around a blend of experienced stars, rising talent, and a few crucial signings that have been brought in to fill specific gaps. With a focus on maintaining depth across all positions, the squad is more balanced than it has been in recent seasons. Here’s a closer look at the key players who will shape the team’s fortunes in 2025:
Forwards
The forward pack remains the cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ strategy, with a mix of grit, aggression, and leadership in the middle. Coach Ciraldo has emphasized the importance of a strong forward unit to set the tone for the team both defensively and in attack.
- David Klemmer
The veteran prop is set to lead the Bulldogs’ forward pack in 2025. Klemmer’s experience and physicality will be crucial in providing the Bulldogs with a dominant presence in the middle. Known for his hard-running style and ability to break through defensive lines, Klemmer’s leadership will be invaluable in mentoring the younger players coming through the ranks. - Ava Seumanufagai
Seumanufagai has been a consistent performer for the Bulldogs in recent years. His ability to play long minutes and his toughness in defense make him a reliable option up front. His impact will be especially important in the later stages of matches when the Bulldogs are looking to grind out victories. - Tevita Pangai Jr.
One of the Bulldogs’ most dynamic forwards, Pangai Jr. brings an explosive edge to the pack. His ability to offload the ball and create space for his teammates, combined with his aggressive defense, makes him a key asset in both attack and defense. If Pangai Jr. can stay disciplined and build on his impressive 2024 form, he will be a vital contributor to the Bulldogs’ forward unit. - Max King
A rising star in the NRL, Max King has emerged as one of the most consistent forwards in the Bulldogs’ line-up. His relentless work rate and defensive solidity have earned him a spot in the starting pack for 2025. King’s ability to lead from the front and provide energy in both defense and attack will be essential for the Bulldogs’ success. - Viliame Kikau
Kikau’s signing in 2024 was one of the Bulldogs’ most high-profile moves. A proven performer at the Penrith Panthers, Kikau brings a combination of size, power, and skill to the Bulldogs’ back row. His ability to break through defenses, combined with his work in defense, will make him a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ pack in 2025.
Halves
The Bulldogs’ success in 2025 will also depend heavily on the creativity and decision-making of their halves pairing. Both players need to bring balance and vision to the team, ensuring that the forwards’ hard work in the middle is rewarded with a cohesive attacking game.
- Matt Burton (Five-Eighth)
Matt Burton is one of the Bulldogs’ brightest stars, known for his ability to control games with his kicking game and physical presence in attack. In 2025, Burton will be expected to take his game to the next level. His long-range kicking and ability to produce game-changing plays make him an invaluable asset, and his leadership in guiding the team around the field will be crucial for the Bulldogs’ ambitions. - Jake Averillo (Halfback)
Averillo’s versatility and speed will be key for the Bulldogs’ attacking structure. As the halfback, Averillo’s ability to run the ball, set up plays, and make defensive reads will be essential. His chemistry with Burton in the halves will be a significant factor in how the Bulldogs perform in 2025. With increased maturity and development, Averillo has the potential to become one of the league’s standout playmakers.
Backs
The Bulldogs have also bolstered their backline, with a mix of experienced and promising young players. The club’s backline has the potential to be explosive in attack, particularly with players who can create opportunities from broken play.
- Jake Kiraz
Kiraz had a breakout year in 2024, and he will be expected to build on that form in 2025. Known for his speed and agility, Kiraz can score tries from almost anywhere on the field. His combination with the halves will be crucial in exploiting defensive weaknesses on the edges. Kiraz is expected to be one of the Bulldogs’ most exciting attacking weapons in 2025. - Brayden Burns
Burns is another exciting player in the Bulldogs’ backline, known for his speed and work rate. His experience playing in the NRL will be valuable for the Bulldogs in 2025, providing stability in the backline. Burns’ ability to read the game and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a key figure in the team. - Jahrome Hughes (Fullback)
A recent signing, Jahrome Hughes will bring an added layer of experience and leadership to the Bulldogs’ backline. His speed, agility, and ability to create opportunities for his teammates will make him an integral part of the Bulldogs’ attack. Hughes’ presence at fullback will add a new dimension to the team’s play, as he is capable of making breaks and scoring tries from deep in the opposition’s half. - Braidon Burns
Burns is a player with plenty of potential and speed, and in 2025, he will be looking to cement his place as a starting back for the Bulldogs. His work on both sides of the field will be key in providing support for his fellow backs and forwards, offering additional attacking threats.
Bench and Depth Players
While the starting 13 will be crucial, the depth of the Bulldogs’ squad will be one of the deciding factors in their 2025 season. The ability to rotate players effectively and manage the workload throughout a grueling season will be essential. Some of the key bench players include:
- Corey Waddell
Waddell brings energy and aggression off the bench, often being used in the middle or as a back-rower. His defensive work and ability to create momentum through hard-running carries will be crucial in maintaining intensity when the starting forwards need a break. - Jayden Okunbor
Okunbor is known for his raw athleticism and ability to break through defensive lines. His speed and physicality make him a dangerous weapon off the bench, and in 2025, he will be looking to contribute more consistently in both attack and defense. - Oluwafemi Oluwadare
Oluwadare is an up-and-coming forward who has shown potential in his appearances for the Bulldogs. With his size and power, he is a player to watch in 2025, as he could be a key player in the middle of the field, helping to drive the Bulldogs forward when required. - Jacob Preston
A versatile player, Preston can fill various positions in the backline and in the forwards, giving the Bulldogs valuable flexibility. His work ethic and understanding of the game will make him an important player off the bench, ensuring that the team remains competitive no matter the situation.
Coaching and Leadership
Under the guidance of head coach Cameron Ciraldo, the Bulldogs have set themselves up for success in 2025. Ciraldo’s calm leadership and tactical acumen have already had a significant impact on the team’s performance, and his ability to manage both young players and experienced veterans will be crucial in building a cohesive squad.
The influence of assistant coaches, such as David Furner and Andrew Johns, will also be vital in refining the Bulldogs’ defensive and attacking systems. The combination of experienced leaders and tactical innovators should ensure that the team remains competitive across the NRL season.
Conclusion: A Rebuilt Bulldogs Team Ready for 2025
The 2025 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have undergone a significant transformation over the past 12 months, with the combination of strategic signings, player development, and strong leadership putting the team in a strong position heading into the new season. With a balanced squad that includes experienced stars like David Klemmer and Matt Burton, along with promising young talents such as Jacob Kiraz and Max King, the Bulldogs are poised to make a serious push for the finals.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo has established a strong foundation for the club, and if the players can continue to develop and execute the systems set out by the coaching staff, the Bulldogs have the potential to return to the upper echelons of the NRL in 2025. Whether they can challenge for a premiership remains to be seen, but the 2025 line-up promises exciting things for Bulldogs fans.
