Every NRL Club’s Predicted Round 1 Team for 2027: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are shaping as an intriguing side heading into the 2027 NRL season, with Cameron Ciraldo’s squad looking to build on its progress and challenge the competition’s top teams.

With Lachlan Galvin continuing to develop in the halves, Stephen Crichton providing leadership and a powerful forward pack at their disposal, the Bulldogs have plenty of pieces to work with heading into the new campaign.

There are still questions surrounding the club’s best combinations, particularly in the outside backs, in the halves, and at hooker, but there is no shortage of competition for spots.

Here is my predicted Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Round 1 team for the 2027 NRL season.

Connor Tracey is my pick to retain the fullback position, with his work rate and ability to support attacking movements making him an important part of the Bulldogs’ backline. He has a poor season in 2026 so he has a lot to prove in 2027.

Jacob Kiraz is another key selection on the wing. His running game and ability to make metres out of yardage give Canterbury an important attacking weapon, particularly when the forwards need support coming out of their own end.

Matt Burton is tipped to line up in the centres, where his size, kicking ability and attacking threat can cause plenty of problems for opposition defences. His versatility also gives the Bulldogs options when adjusting their attacking shape.

Enari Tuala is my predicted selection in the other centre position, while Jethro Rinakama gets the nod on the wing.

Rinakama would provide youthful energy and an opportunity for the Bulldogs to continue developing their outside-back stocks. However, his fitness and availability will be important factors in determining whether he can secure a Round 1 spot. If the Bulldogs end up re-signing Jeral Skelton, he would be my pick on the wing.

The halves are one of the most interesting parts of this predicted Bulldogs side.

Stephen Crichton is my choice at five-eighth, with Lachlan Galvin retaining the halfback role. Crichton’s leadership and attacking instincts would complement Galvin’s developing game management and ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

Galvin will be a particularly important player for Canterbury in 2027. As he gains more experience in the Bulldogs system, another pre-season should provide an opportunity to strengthen his combinations and take greater control of the side’s attack.

Having Burton outside the halves also gives the Bulldogs another player capable of creating chances, taking on the defensive line and providing a kicking option.

If these combinations click, Canterbury could have a dangerous attacking structure heading into the new season.

Max King and Leo Thompson are our predicted starting props, giving the Bulldogs a combination of work rate, aggression and size through the middle.

King has been an important part of Canterbury’s forward rotation, while Thompson adds another powerful option following his arrival from Newcastle last season.

At lock, Jaeman Salmon gets the starting role in this predicted lineup. His versatility and ability to contribute across the middle make him a useful option for Ciraldo, although the club has several players capable of pushing for a spot in the starting pack.

Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston are my selections in the second row. They pick themselves.

Kikau offers explosive running and damaging carries, while Preston provides energy and a strong work ethic. Together, they would give Canterbury a balanced second-row combination, provided both are available for the start of the season.

Sitili Tupouniua is my pick to come off the interchange, offering additional size and impact when the starting forwards begin to tire. He was probably the Dogs best player in 2026 and is their most crucial bench option.

Hooker is another position worth watching throughout the Bulldogs’ pre-season.

Freddy Lussick is my predicted starting number nine, with Bailey Hayward named on the interchange.

Lussick’s arrival from Penrith gives Canterbury another option at dummy-half as the club looks to settle its combinations following changes to the roster. Hayward’s versatility means he could also push for a starting role, depending on how the coaching staff want to structure the side.

The battle between the two could be one of the more interesting selection decisions heading into Round 1. With Lussick the natural 9, I think he should start over Hayward.

Harry Hayes, Jack Underhill and Sitili Tupouniua provide a mixture of size, energy and forward depth in this predicted 19-man squad.

Hayes is a young forward who could continue to develop within Canterbury’s system, while Underhill gets an opportunity to push for a place in the match-day side.

Mitchell Woods and Logan Spinks round out my extended squad as reserves.

Woods is one to watch as he continues to develop, with his potential giving the Bulldogs another option to consider as they build towards the 2027 season. Spinks also gets a place in the extended group, although earning regular first-grade opportunities will depend on his development and the competition for positions.

The depth of the squad should give Ciraldo several options as he looks to settle on his best combinations.

The Bulldogs have the foundations of a competitive side, with experienced players in key positions and emerging talent pushing for greater responsibility.

The combination of Crichton, Burton and Galvin will be particularly important, while the forward pack needs to provide the platform for the halves to control games.

There are still selection questions to resolve before the opening round, especially around hooker, the outside backs and the availability of several forwards.

The Bulldogs struggled to find their best starting side and best spine in particular, impacting their chemistry and combinations. They lack adequate depth if they get injuries to key players so at this stage I think they are a mid table side.

If the Bulldogs fail to make finals in 2027, there's a decent chance Ciraldo could get the boot.