On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Canterbury Bulldogs pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Canberra Raiders 32-20 at GIO Stadium, marking a significant milestone as they overcame a 20-point deficit for the first time in 24 years. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Bulldogs showcasing resilience and determination to secure their spot at the top of the NRL ladder.
The Bulldogs, led by coach Cameron Ciraldo, found themselves in a precarious position early in the match, trailing 20-0 at one point. However, a halftime pep talk from Ciraldo seemed to ignite a fire in his players. "It was a rollercoaster," Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton stated post-match. "We wanted to change our mindset... coach gave us a bit of a spray in there [at halftime]." The players responded brilliantly, with Crichton adding, "I have massive belief in our team. The way we bounced back from 20-nil is the team we want to be. It is important [we get these wins]. (Canberra) has been the benchmark as well all year. But full credit to our boys for sticking with it."
As the second half unfolded, the Bulldogs showcased their attacking prowess, scoring five tries in just 25 minutes. Jaeman Salmon was particularly vocal after scoring, seemingly reigniting a feud with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart by mouthing "weak-gutted dog" towards the cameras. This rivalry dates back to 2022 when Stuart had previously criticized Salmon, calling him a "weak-gutted dog" following a controversial incident. The tension added an extra layer of drama to the match, which was witnessed by a crowd of 23,827 fans.
Bulldogs fans were treated to an impressive performance from Jacob Kiraz, who made a strong case for a New South Wales Origin call-up. Kiraz displayed remarkable agility and strength, brushing off multiple defenders to score a try that left commentators and fans alike in awe. "I don't know how he has done this," exclaimed Mick Ennis on Fox League, highlighting Kiraz's impressive skills. "He certainly wouldn't look out of place [in Origin]."
Despite the Bulldogs' triumph, the Raiders faced a nightmare second half, compounded by injury concerns. Matty Nicholson was taken off the field with what appeared to be an ankle injury, raising further worries for the Raiders as they look to regroup. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly after a strong start to the season.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will need to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next fixture. Their victory against the Raiders not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position at the top of the NRL ladder.
Meanwhile, in other NRL action on the same day, the St George Illawarra Dragons are set to face off against the New Zealand Warriors at WIN Stadium at 5:30 PM AEST. The Dragons, who are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, will be relying on veterans Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook to lead the charge. The team is celebrating Women in League Round and Junior League Appreciation Round, adding an extra layer of significance to the match.
The Dragons have made some changes to their lineup, with Luciano Leilua starting for his 150th game, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga makes his NRL debut off the interchange. The Warriors, currently sitting third on the ladder, are expected to provide a tough challenge as they aim to continue their strong form.
As the Dragons prepare for their clash, they will be keen to harness the energy of the home crowd and turn their fortunes around. They have historically performed well against the Warriors, winning four of their past six encounters. However, the Warriors have shown resilience this season, winning three of their last four matches in Australia.
The match promises to be an exciting showdown, with both teams eager to secure crucial points as the NRL season progresses. Fans can catch all the action live on Fox League and Channel 9, with streaming options available on Kayo Sports.
In other news, the Maroons will be without veteran player Ben Hunt for the upcoming State of Origin game, as he is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury. This news comes as a blow to the Maroons, who will need to adjust their lineup ahead of the crucial series.
Overall, the NRL weekend is shaping up to be filled with excitement and drama, with teams battling for supremacy and players vying for individual accolades. The Bulldogs' comeback victory is a testament to their fighting spirit, while the Dragons will be looking to make a statement against the Warriors. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling moments and memorable performances.
