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Tackles and Tinnies - E38 - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2025 Review & 2026 Preview
17 Plays2 months ago
The Bulldogs in 2025 were one of the most fascinating watches in the comp — because the footy was improving… but the identity kept getting rewired mid-season.In this episode of our 2026 team-by-team mini series, Ryan breaks down the Dogs’ 2025 and asks the big question: did they change too much, too often… or was it the exact flexibility that’s building a contender?
We get into:
- The mid-season spine shake-up: Galvin’s inclusion and whether it squeezed out Sexton’s steady-hand control
- The hooker call: Bailey Hayward starting and what that meant for Reed Mahoney’s role
- The shape shift: Stephen Crichton playing “fullback in attack” with Connor Tracey sliding to centre in the red zone
- Whether all those tweaks lifted their ceiling… or hurt cohesion when games got tight
- Who exceeded expectations vs who’s “on notice” heading into 2026
- The Dogs’ projected best 17/19 with the new rule — and the selection pressure points
- A clear 2026 outlook: what has to improve for them to be a legit finals threat, not just a vibes team
Cap or Fact: the Bulldogs didn’t have a “form” problem in 2025 — they had a continuity problem. 👇
Dogs fans: was the Galvin/Hayward/Crichton role shuffle genius or too much change? And where do you have Canterbury finishing in 2026?
Recommended
Transcript
Footy's Return & Initial Excitement
00:00:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Fresh crack of the Coke Zero. It is first of February, guys. We are one month away from footy. So, so exciting. Trials are coming up in two weeks, but have a quick sip.
00:00:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Can't beat a fresh Coke Zero, guys. Can't beat it.
2025/2026 Team Previews: Canterbury Bulldogs
00:00:14
Tackles and Tinnies
But welcome back, Tackles and Tinneys listeners, to the 2025 slash 2026 preview slash review for every single team. We're going in detail for the guys we've been following along I hope you've been enjoying the series. Some of these videos that you guys have been commenting on have been fantastic conversation starters, and I think today's one is going quite juicy.
Bulldogs' 2025 Season Performance Analysis
00:00:36
Tackles and Tinnies
We are doing the Canterbury Bulldogs. I've already reached out to you guys probably a week ago now regarding a certain player in a certain position and maybe a complete spine shaker.
00:00:49
Tackles and Tinnies
We'll get to that later on in the podcast, but let's get straight into the full thick of it, guys. So Canterbury Bulldogs, 2025 season snapshot. Where do they finish on the ladder? They were third with 16 wins and eight losses with a point differentiation of 120 points. They had 38 competition points. They had the 10th best attack and the best defense. They were unreal in defense. They only like conceded 414 points. Their attack, however, was their kryptonite. And again, when we talk about some of these are potential position swaps, attacking structure changes, that's probably why, again, 10th into attack is not ideal for a top four team, let alone a premiership winning team, especially when you're versing guys like the Bulldogs, not the Bulldogs, when you're versing the Broncos, the Raiders, the Storm, okay, these are the top echelon teams, you can even throw the Sharks in there, these are the sort of guys that we need to be looking at in regards to attack, Bulldogs aren't on that level yet, and we'll talk about that 2025, it felt.
00:01:52
Tackles and Tinnies
how it felt
Key Players & Strategic Shifts for Bulldogs
00:01:54
Tackles and Tinnies
So in regards to defense, no worries. I loved it. Stephen Crichton, one of their best hard-nosed running forwards, very mobile forwards, and their pack's only getting better with a couple of players coming in, which we'll talk about very shortly.
00:02:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Did they feel like a premiership winning team?
00:02:14
Tackles and Tinnies
Yes, at times, however, they pretty much rolled the dice and they were hoping for monumental upside in regarding to their changes. I don't think those changes paid off and we'll we'll get to that right now. So in their attack, again, they became 10th.
00:02:29
Tackles and Tinnies
Burden's long kicking game, the Burden Bomb, as we all know, i thought that was unreal. Stephen Criden had the class of one of the best centers in the game. We know he's the best defensive center, but he's up there with Herbie Farmworth in regards to attack.
00:02:42
Tackles and Tinnies
I remember some vivid plays where the Bulldogs were down and Criter, being the captain that he is, he's like, give me the pill and I'm going to make something happen. That could be a a little indicator on where I'm sort of leaning towards later on the podcast regarding the best 19.
00:02:57
Tackles and Tinnies
Their redges in regards to Kikau and Preston, when they were healthy and when they were on the field, I thought they were unreal. I thought Bronson Cherry was also fantastic when he was given early ball.
00:03:08
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, two dynamic centers, unreal. I thought Jacob Karaz, obviously he had some injury concerns throughout the year, but he was definitely one of your best players. Were you pumping teams? No. Were you choke-holding teams? Yes.
00:03:23
Tackles and Tinnies
So defense. Defense wins championships. However, you're probably going to be in the top six in attack. You guys weren't there, unfortunately. Yeah, but again, your defense is amazing. and I think it's only going to get better as systems become more abject, and especially with Galvin getting more time in the off season, I think it's certainly gonna help you and maybe some extra cattle coming in is only gonna beef up those forward stocks as well, which we'll get to shortly.
Team Dynamics & Player Contracts
00:03:50
Tackles and Tinnies
The narratives. Good attack, mediocre in defense. Mediocre attack is the kryptonite for any team. Essentially, you've roll the dice to see if it sticks.
00:04:02
Tackles and Tinnies
You flung the pasta against the wall, and it wasn't cooked just yet. It just fell off the wall. Poor analogy, but that's what it is. But I want to probably dive a little bit deeper in regards to some of those was mid to late season changes that you went in. So probably the first major change was obviously acquiring Lockie Galvin.
00:04:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Okay, so Lachie Galvin came to West Tigers. I went deep dive into that, guys. So go check my West Tigers preview, such a view on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, wherever you get your podcasts. Go check that one out. I did a full segment on that, breaking that down, so I'm not going repeat that one. But obviously, you guys got the benefit of the upside of Lachlan Galvin.
00:04:42
Tackles and Tinnies
You had the steady hand of Toby Sexton. Was he a premiership winning half? Probably didn't have the upside of that. If I had to give a rating, he's a B-rated halfback.
00:04:53
Tackles and Tinnies
Solid. Top tier? No. I guess you have to swing for the fences, which you guys did in acquiring Lachlan Galvin. I did feel like Galvin's still obviously so young.
00:05:04
Tackles and Tinnies
He's so young. But he's a 5'8", in my eyes, at this stage of his career. Matt Burden is also a five eight you don't have that halfback currently. If you have those two and the halves, again, you can maybe can sort of tell the narrative I'm getting at later on.
00:05:20
Tackles and Tinnies
But you also made a change with Reid Marnie. He lost the hooking position role. He got out of favor. And Bailey Hayward obviously took that position in.
00:05:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Bailey Haywood, tackle bot, definitely can be bit of a utility as well. He definitely played some six, he played some 13, played some utility off the bench, and then eventually got that starting nine role. Definitely projected be the starting nine for the 2026 season. I think he has not monumental upside. Again, he's a B-rated player at this stage of his career.
00:05:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Can he get to that A? potentially. Coach Serraldo is amazing and he's been proven to be very, very good in developing certain types of players.
00:06:03
Tackles and Tinnies
We'll see. We'll see.
Potential Player Roles & Social Media Insights
00:06:05
Tackles and Tinnies
The third big change, and I think this is the biggest change and had the most upside, but probably didn't know enough time to gel. And obviously the injury didn't help you guys either, but that was your captain, Stephen Criden, shifting to fullback when you got into attacking ball. So around the red zone or the 30 meter line, roughly. yeah steven cried and then shifted to fullback i think that's a clear indicator where you guys are going for the 2026 season i would love to see him be fullback for 2026 i posted it on tiktok youtube and instagram i got some epic feedback and uh some slander and some uh
00:06:45
Tackles and Tinnies
positive reinforcement as well. I had both sides of the spectrum regarding Stephen Crichton going fullback. I think he just has more upside. Connor Tracy, again, you you're changing a position in the middle to the back end of the season, more so the back end of the year with Stephen Crichton's role to fullback.
00:07:02
Tackles and Tinnies
Definitely hurt himself at the back end, missed those last couple of games, which was unfortunate. But yeah, Stephen Criden, he has the upside. I think he's ready. He's in his mid-20s. Fantastic defensive player. Very good communicator.
2025 Season Recap & Strategy Outlook
00:07:16
Tackles and Tinnies
He's a captain. He can pop up either side of the field. Do you want him getting rubbish ball and doing those junkyard runs? I don't see why not, especially so he's pretty durable as well.
00:07:27
Tackles and Tinnies
I think he's ready. I think he wants that responsibility. What do you guys think? Again, I've had this question on socials already, but for the people haven't seen it, I want you guys to comment here.
00:07:37
Tackles and Tinnies
Does Stephen Crichton fit the bill of a fullback? And we'll talk about that later on in the top 19 for our best fielder squad. but I think the squad balance looked better. It was clunky because you guys didn't have enough reps with Croydon then. So I think that's just the biggest question.
00:07:54
Tackles and Tinnies
Moving forward, I think an off season at fullback will do him wonders personally. Uh, But to wrap up 2025, too many changes too quickly.
00:08:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Did the experiment work with the changes? You could probably say no. However, i would like to see them persevere with these changes. And obviously, Reid Marnie's not the club anymore.
00:08:15
Tackles and Tinnies
So Barry Hayward's got that lock and load position. But I would like to see some changes to beef up your guys' attack. I think you guys have to agree. Tenth in attack isn't good enough for a premiership winning team.
00:08:27
Tackles and Tinnies
So, Lucia Scandal roster movement, guys, for your 2025 season. So, you gained Satili Tupinul from the Roosters. I thought that was a huge get. He's your hybrid edge slash middle. We can play middle in a pinch, but definitely prefer on an edge.
00:08:41
Tackles and Tinnies
Poor Satili. Like, he's been injured. He's been suspended. He had a horrid 2025 season in regards to injury and suspension. But when he did play, I thought he was unreal. He's one of the best line runners in the game. So good in contact.
00:08:56
Tackles and Tinnies
He's just got Jacob Preston and Kikau in front of him. Those two boys are just better than him. Again, i don't think he's going to get a front row position. I think he's going to get that lock position. Definitely starter potential, but yeah, didn't get that opportunity too far in between.
00:09:12
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, if there's an injury, Satili straight into that starting role. Marcelo Montoya, I thought he was a fantastic get from the Warriors. Didn't know he was so good at podcasting, guys. He's a great communicator, him and his partner. Quite funny, the banter that they have rated highly. But I thought Montoya provided great yardage for you guys, for particularly being a smaller pack.
00:09:34
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought Montoya did very well for you guys in that regard. Great pickup from the Warriors. Tawala didn't get too many games, but again, you need depth. You need depth in the outside backs. Another guy that we definitely need be talking about is Lachlan Galvin. You picked him up mid mid-season.
00:09:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Huge monumental upside, only getting better. Guys, he ran the Broncos. He's got the PB for the bronco Bronco run. I should emphasize that. That's the 20, 40, 60, five times, the 1.2K time trial. Lachlan Galvin got four minutes, 12 seconds.
00:10:08
Tackles and Tinnies
Crazy. but My best is 501 and he's 40 seconds in front. So he's probably like a lap and a half in front of me, which is crazy, man. That's actually crazy. Lachlan Galvin, fit as fiddle. I'm just going to say it's his young legs. He's like 20 years old. So
2026 Season Challenges & Predictions
00:10:22
Tackles and Tinnies
they're probably the main guys to talk about in regards to your 2025 gains. Your losses, your loss at O'Kar, probably one of your bigger ones.
00:10:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Didn't have the best couple of years with the doggies, in my opinion. Had a huge resurgence at the Eels and obviously got that call up for the kangaroos at the end of the year. I thought he was very, very good for the Ashes. Could be Smokey Chat next year for a wing spot for New South Wales.
00:10:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe we are talk about that the questions underneath, guys. Does Addo Carr have a shot at a wing position if Lomax doesn't get back in the NRL? Let me know in the comments.
00:10:59
Tackles and Tinnies
So guys, for the people who haven't heard of my podcast before, what I like to do, i go on nro.com. I get all the contracts, uh, well, the contracts for your team. So for example, I'm going to go through all the 2026 guys who are currently contracted for the this year. And then I'll talk about the guys who extended past the 2026 season.
00:11:21
Tackles and Tinnies
I might talk about guys are a little bit more relevant to your squad. So let's get straight into it regarding 2026 guys who are contractors. So Connor Tracy, he's your fullback currently. He can play wing. He can play center.
00:11:35
Tackles and Tinnies
He's Mr. Fix-It. He's Mr. Reliable. Is he Mr. X-Factor? No. No, he's not Mr. X Factor in my opinion. He definitely deserves a contract extension.
00:11:46
Tackles and Tinnies
I would like to see him still be in the 17 or the top 19. Maybe at center.
00:11:50
Tackles and Tinnies
maybe it's in Maybe at center. Okay, but he's there in 2026. Daniel Solekka Fafita, he's there in 2026. Tawala, 2026. Jack Todd, 2026.
00:12:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Jonathan Suha, 2026. Josh Curran, he's there end of this year. But, guys, he's gone to Perth Bears. I think it's a great pickup for the Bears. Cade Dykes, 2026. Kurt Mann, origin call-up in 2025 from Billy Slater. Did a very good job.
00:12:21
Tackles and Tinnies
for the Queensland Maroons. I thought he was fantastic in game three. But yeah, it definitely is a contract extension. He's in his early 30s. I'm to butcher this name, so apologize on defense.
00:12:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Lee Poi Hoppoi. He's out of 2026. I'm pretty sure he got one or two games in first grade. Marcelo Montoya definitely you needs a contract extension. I thought he was fantastic. He should be a mainstay in your team.
00:12:46
Tackles and Tinnies
Patrick Young, 2026. Sam hughes Yeah, he was a bit of a super coach nuff there in the 2024 season. and Didn't get too many games in 2026 or much relevancy in there.
00:12:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Sean O'Souvelin, he's come from the Dolphins. He's there in 2026. And Zion. I've heard really good things about Zion. Still very young. Does he get a chance in first grade this year?
00:13:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Probably not. I think you guys are pretty settled. However, I've heard big things. Guys, let me know how you think Zion's going to go in 2026. Does he get a first grade debut this year? on Does he leave the club potentially to find greener passes get that chance? Let me know in the comments.
00:13:27
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, guys who are contracted past the 2026 season, so Bailey Haywood, he's contracted to the end of 2028. He's going to be your hooker. He can definitely play some 13. I think he's going to be fantastic for you guys this year.
00:13:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Bronson Cherry, what a redemption story. Again, he served his time off the field, and my God, he paid dividends and showed that he earned his keep, in other words. He earned his keep.
00:13:50
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, 2027, 2027.
00:13:52
Tackles and Tinnies
For now, Latou, he's there to 2028. Definitely probably going to get a chance sometime this year. Harry Hayes, big contract. He signed in 2029. Probably should be getting a chance sometime this year as well.
00:14:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Jacob Karaz, Gunn, absolute super coach Gunn at least. Injuries. He had always that back injury. I think came back around round five.
00:14:15
Tackles and Tinnies
Had some other ailments throughout the year. If he can stay healthy, he's definitely one of the best outside backs in the comp. He can play wing, center, fullback. Definitely prefer him on the wing. His meter age and his offloads were fantastic for you guys.
00:14:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Jacob Preston got a call up for the Kangaroos. didn't mean to get them Didn't manage to get a minute. However, obviously has that upside there. Should be better. Should be better this year as well.
Player Development & Squad Adaptability
00:14:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he get a chance for New South Wales this year? Time will tell. Jamin Salmon, yeah, he's just a plotter, but yeah, he definitely does a role. He's got that aggro. He's got that niggle, Reid Marnie-esque type vibe.
00:14:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, weak gutted dog. Pretty sure that's him. So yeah, that's Jamin Salmon for you. Lachlan Galvin, signed end of 2028. Young. Young. young unproven at halfback. Would love to see more reps there.
00:15:06
Tackles and Tinnies
There's another guy who we're about to talk about who probably compliments his game a little bit better, but we'll get to that shortly. Leo Thompson, massive get. You needed a middle. You needed an alpha male. You needed a big bop.
00:15:20
Tackles and Tinnies
You need that enforcer. Leo Thompson, is that in fold? Is he a super coach gun? No, definitely not. Is he an enforcer? Is he going to provide intimidation and mongrel James Fisher Harrow-esque?
00:15:35
Tackles and Tinnies
Definitely. Great pickup, 2029. Matty Burden, end of 2027. Now, played a little bit of center. He's a former Daliam center of the year. You're sort of getting what I'm picking down, guy, or are you picking up what I'm putting down?
00:15:52
Tackles and Tinnies
think there might be a positional change for Matt Burden in 2026. Maybe potential early release if he doesn't like playing center. But again, he's a gun.
00:16:04
Tackles and Tinnies
He's fast. He's a big body. Can tackle well. Got a fantastic kicking game. Can goal kick. Unreal. Unreal. Could he beat Perth Bears 2027? Not sure.
00:16:14
Tackles and Tinnies
not sure But again, where do you guys see Matt Burden in 2026? Let me know. Max King got an origin call-up from Laurie Daly for the New South Wales Blues. I thought he was a bit of a mainstay. So now you've got Leo Thompson and Max King in the front row.
00:16:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Pretty solid guys. You should be very happy with that. And a very, very nice guy. or All accounts anyway. Now, Mitchell Woods. Mitchell Woods. Halfback, young gun, coming through the ranks.
00:16:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Is he ready for first grade? I'm not sure. I'm really not sure. All signs pointing yes. I mean, Lachlan Galvin got thrown to the Wolves early on in his career and then he popped off.
00:16:56
Tackles and Tinnies
So that's obviously good signs. Does he compliment Lachlan Galvin better in the halves? Yes. Lachlan Galvin can then shift to 5'8". Mitchell Woods goes a halfback. You're running a very inexperienced 5'8", halfback combination. Very Canberra Raiders-esque with Ethan Strange and either Sanders, who's most likely to start there with Kobe Black right up who's hovering around there, but he's got a bit injury currently. But Mitchell Woods for the Bulldogs, I do hint i do see him debuting.
00:17:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he start the start of the year? I was tossing and turning. I was asking everyone, all my mates, asking some diehard Bulldogs fans online. I don't think he starts the year.
00:17:35
Tackles and Tinnies
i wouldn't be surprised if he started the year, but he definitely will be playing at some point during this year. Guys, let me know in the comments, does Mitchell Woods start at halfback in round one? Let me know in the comments.
00:17:48
Tackles and Tinnies
So Tilly Tupanua, already glazed him a little bit, but he's been fantastic coming from the Roosters. He's there to 20-28, can play edge, can play middle, can play center in a pinch if need be.
00:18:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Great ball runner, very athletic, destructive in contact. I would love to see him start. i've always had an affinity for Tupanua, but yeah, very good impact off the bench currently in regards to his role.
00:18:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Your captain, Stephen Crichton. Critter. Gun. 1A, 1B. Herbie Farmworth, Stephen Crichton. Could be 1A, 1A. Personally, Stephen Crichton has gone leaps and bounds since going to the Bulldogs in regards to developing leadership, creating winning culture within your club.
00:18:32
Tackles and Tinnies
2031 guys that's enough said he's there for the next six years you should be ecstatic should be a study i want him at fullback i'm gonna keep saying it this podcast guys i want stephen crowder at fullback he is ready he's ready he's gonna pop off trust me if he goes to fullback i reckon you guys are definitely a chance for a prelim final Yeah, he goal kicks.
00:18:59
Tackles and Tinnies
He's got that aggro in him. Best defender, great ball runner. He suffocates defense. He's ready. He's ready. Get critter to fullback on. Keeps hanging. Viliami Kikau. He's at a 20-28 gun.
00:19:13
Tackles and Tinnies
Absolute gun. Very destructive. So intimidating. Takes a few boys to get him down to the ground. Yeah, more to say about Kickout. When he's healthy, he's great.
00:19:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Obviously, he had that head knock with the eye. That was bit upsetting to see that sort of inhibited his finals run. However, a lot of courage to continue on with that. think it was a fractured eye socket. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, in the comments. But yeah, Kickout, Garn, great leadership, winning pedigree.
00:19:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, similar to Critter, coming both from Panthers. Pretty good roster. Not going to lie, guys. You've got a pretty damn good roster. So I'll quickly sum up your gains. Leo Thompson for 2026. Sean O'Sutherland, Fletcher Baker, Gordon Chang-Kon-Tong.
00:19:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he get a bench spot to help Bailey Hayward or Hooker? Wouldn't be surprised. Honestly, wouldn't be surprised. Fletcher Baker, great pickup as well in my eyes.
00:20:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Cade Dykes, probably not. Probably Maybe. Maybe. Kay Dykes could get a sniff at fullback. But again, I think Stephen Crichton is your guy.
00:20:17
Tackles and Tinnies
going to keep saying it. And again, your losses for 2026. Reid Marnie, he's going to the Cows. Toby Sexton's doing a gap year. He's going Contiki tour in Europe. He's going to Catlins, but then coming back to our Perth Bears.
00:20:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Black Taff, he's going to Castleford. Curtis Moran, he's going to my beloved Gold Coast Titans. I think he's going to be very serviceable. particularly now that Jamin Jollof has got that ACL injury.
00:20:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Blake Wilson, utility outside back, he's going to Manly. Again, go check out that Manly review if he gets that top 19. And Luke Smith come from London and Joseph O'Neill, he's gone to the Dragons, more so depth pieces, guys.
00:20:53
Tackles and Tinnies
So... 2025 under and over performances. The glaze continues, guys. Steven Criden, glaze galore. He was fantastic.
00:21:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Fantastic for origin. he didn't play in the PAC nations. I'll tell you what, he would have made a significant difference for you guys there. I reckon he probably would have won if Crita was there. But I'll tell you what, Crita, Hammer, potentially Tino, all coming to play for Samoa.
00:21:19
Tackles and Tinnies
Scary, scary two times for Australia and New Zealand and Tonga. More so the other two. But yeah, Stephen Croydon, amazing. Marquee signing, captain, goal kicker, probably potential fullback.
00:21:31
Tackles and Tinnies
You can play him anyway. You can play 5'8". He's just a gun. He's a footballer. Jacob Preston, obviously new South Wales as well. absolutely gun. Jacob Preston, when he was healthy, fantastic, great ball runner, can play left side, can play right side, probably prefer him on that right edge.
00:21:49
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, absolute gun when he was available. I thought Josh Curran was very serviceable. Again, he's a modern day front rower in my eyes, can definitely play some back row. Definitely prefer him the middle. However, he will be a big loss in 2027. Connor Tracy, Mr. Fix-It, Mr. Can-Do, Mr. I-Can-Play-Center, Wing, Fullback. Again, did very serviceable job at Fullback.
00:22:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Can play center in a pinch. Obviously, you're playing two positions in the middle of a game that says enough about Connor Tracy and his acumen of being a footballer. Underwhelming or question marks. I thought Lachlan Gallivan needs to be talked about slightly here.
00:22:25
Tackles and Tinnies
i don't think he was very good at halfback. He definitely tried. There was definitely not a lack of trying. Again, it comes down to chemistry. He wasn't there. Didn't have an offseason. Minimal training.
00:22:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Learning combinations. Injuries. Coming off the bench. The scandal, obviously. All the talk. Getting accustomed to a new system. Can't blame the guy. Reid Marnie. I thought he was been underwhelming.
00:22:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Obviously got out of favour there with Coach Sorraldo. Yeah, serviceable. I think a fresh start for both parties is going to be unreal. I think Reid Marnie for Supercoach could be due for a bounce back.
00:23:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Currently not on my team for Supercoach, but yeah, very good chance that are yeah he gets up to 550K. Very underpriced in my opinion currently. I thought, yeah, they're probably the main guys. I thought overall guys, you were pretty bloody good. Like everyone stepped up. Again, you had some question marks regarding your attack, but you can't bag your defense. The best in the league. Yeah, I think probably the best moment for me probably comes down to the resiliency Kickow had.
00:23:31
Tackles and Tinnies
When he had that eye fracture, the eye socket fracture, him wanting to come back and play through that and then come back the next week was very, very brave and very admirable. You guys didn't have much momentum going into finals. And him doing that, putting his body on the line for the boys, I think that's monumental to what he has about winning, about the culture that the dogs are starting to have.
00:23:57
Tackles and Tinnies
I love it. I think that's probably the best moment. I know it's not a razzle-dazzle highlight, but I think that's probably important to note, to be honest. So rookies and players to watch. Again, definitely player to watch is Lachlan Galvin.
00:24:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, we've already talked about him. Is he a 5'8"? Is he a halfback? Could he play Locke eventually one day? He's definitely a footballer. Bonafide footy. Footy player. but But does he play seven long-term?
00:24:23
Tackles and Tinnies
No, I don't think he does. And the guy or rookie to watch is Mitchell Woods. Young gun coming through. Again, we talked about his kicking game, his passing game, would help Lockie Galvin get off ball. Nathan Cleary to Jerome Luai, same thing in my eyes. Obviously, can't compare the two because the other two are premiership winning dynamos. But these two guys could be the next half combination for the next 10 years. Okay.
00:24:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Kay Dykes, again, potential to get a starting fullback position if everything goes his way in regards to injuries. Could maybe play some six. Could be utility off the bench for that starting 19.
00:25:02
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, we'll talk about the rule change or potential rule change. Volandi, sort shit out, mate. What's happening with the top 19? Yeah, another guys to watch potentially is Leo Thompson.
00:25:14
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, coming from the Newcastle Knights, enforcer, alpha dog. big gun, aggression, exactly what you needed. You signed him long-term. Is he a stat sheet stuffer? no But does he provide aggression and that forward momentum that you lacked?
00:25:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Yes. So guys, 2026 strength of schedule. So this is from Fox Sports. you can go check out all my other podcasts that I've done so far. Again, we've gone from the worst team all the way to the best team. I'm leaving the Melbourne Storm and Broncos to last because they're grand finalists. So I thought that's more appropriate, but everyone else is pretty much in order. I've done a couple with Chris and Morgan who are diehards. The Broncos one is going to absolutely pop off. I reckon there's going to be like 10 blokes in there.
00:25:59
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, Melbourne's still more, so it's going to be good one. So check them out in the future. So like, subscribe, share, you know the deal. Got to say it. Got to say it several times, to be honest. But yeah. But anyway, Fox Sports, strength of schedule. So what Fox Sports has done, they've looked at a who you played in 2025 in regards to are they a top eight team? Are they a top four team? Are they a bottom four team?
00:26:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Where your home game's lying for 2026, where the buy schedule for 2026, are the origin games affecting you? Have you got early season buy, late season buy, et cetera, et cetera? Essentially, they synthesize all that information and give you a number. In that number, one being the hardest, 17 being the easiest.
00:26:42
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys, your strength of schedule for 2026 six. Not ideal. six not ideal Not ideal. You have the sixth hardest schedule. So teams that you'll play twice in 2026, you've got the Rabbitohs.
00:26:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Should be better. Should be a top eight team. Panthers, we know what they are. Half your team's from bloody Penrith, to be honest. But yeah, Panthers, top 14. Dragons, they'll be an irritant. I don't project them to be in the top eight, but they'll definitely be an irritant.
00:27:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Raiders, came first last year in regards to the regular season. Will there be some regression in regards to no Jamal Fogarty? Potentially, but obviously you've got so many young guns coming through. Raiders should still be like a top 16.
00:27:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Brisbane Broncos, guns. They're bloody Hollywood. They are... The X Factor, they've got strike across the park. They're going to only get it better with confidence. They've another year under Madge Maguire.
00:27:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Got some young boys coming through the ranks. Didn't really lose anyone too drastically. Obviously, Cobbo, but you've got older halves and Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds, but...
00:27:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Hey, they've got a guy called Rhys Walsh. i don't know you've heard of him, but yeah, he's pretty bloody good. West Tigers, definitely some improvement should be had there. Got some new recruits in. Another year under Benji. Sorted out their management as well. I think as' a big thing. The Lachlan Galvin situation's done. They've got a bit more stability within their hearts with Luai and Dewey. And then you've Latu coming off the bench.
00:28:14
Tackles and Tinnies
They should be better. Top eight, maybe. Things are to go their way. Melbourne Storm. Guns. Top four. Obviously lost Pappenhausen. That's a huge loss, but they've a young fella in Sua Falongo.
00:28:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Not a one for one, but he provides a different sort of energy and spark. I think Falongo for the Storm i going to be fantastic. Lost Nelson, but he probably got suspended more games than he played.
00:28:38
Tackles and Tinnies
And you've lost Eli Catoa as well. That's a big, big loss. I don't... It's hard to say. He's back at training, but like take that with a grain of salt, guys.
00:28:50
Tackles and Tinnies
Melbourne Storm, definitely still top four. Yeah. no And Jerome Hughes is injured for ages too, guys. You've got to remember that. Melbourne Storm top four, definitely. Parramatta Eels, hardest team to predict. I actually had them as, I think, sixteen or 17th.
00:29:07
Tackles and Tinnies
They're not last. or They're literally, I'd reckon the guys, the ladder this year is going to be crazy. You thought last year was tight. I reckon 2026 is going to be even tighter. I reckon you're going to be one game away from top four, one game away from just scraping in the top eight, one game away from missing the top eight and one game away from, uh, getting last. I reckon there's going to be three games separating everyone.
00:29:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Anyone can win at any given time. So the strength of schedule obviously is going to come down like buys. but And injuries, obviously, but we can't predict injuries. Anyone could win.
00:29:40
Tackles and Tinnies
I have no idea where Parramatta is going to rank. I don't rate them personally. i just don't think they have enough X-Factor. Mitchell Moses, until proven otherwise, cannot stay in the park. I think everyone and else has got a better two.
00:29:50
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys, please tell me. I know it's a Bulldog segment, but please tell me where the heck does Parramatta Eels rank in 2026? Now, also for the Fox Sports Strength of Schedule, Gaines versus 2025, top eight teams, you've 11.
00:30:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Gaines versus bottom four teams, you've six. So in regards to your pros, according to Fox Sports, you've got two of their three buys, four in the origin rounds. Great for potentially a Matt Burden, maybe a Jacob Preston, definitely a Stephen Crichton.
00:30:19
Tackles and Tinnies
These are the type of guys we look at. Only one origin impacted game against Melbourne Storm and Melbourne is more than likely going to have origin heavy players. Munster, obviously top my head.
00:30:32
Tackles and Tinnies
After, oh, Harry Grant, obviously. After round 11, just two games outside New South Wales, low travel leading into finals. I've talked about this on my other podcast, but I think travel is probably the biggest hindrance.
00:30:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Being in new South Wales is pretty ideal because obviously there's so many Sydney teams. I think, yeah, obviously two games outside of New South Wales after round 11, that's unreal.
00:30:54
Tackles and Tinnies
You've got your own training facility. You've got your own bed. You've got your friends around you, family around You've got your kids around you. Everything's familiar. okay And again, travel's not ideal for recovery. okay It's not going to help a player get better in regards to getting back to full strength.
00:31:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Unreal Bulldogs, that is good for you. That is definitely a pro. A con, however. No home games until round four against the Knights. Knights will be better. Knights will be better. Nasty end of the season with the Storm, Roosters, Panthers, Broncos in the last six weeks.
00:31:28
Tackles and Tinnies
That is a tough stretch. And guys, hate to say it, it's probably 50-50 in all those games. You could go 0 from 4 or you could go 4 from 4. More than likely, you're probably going to get two wins. But again, as I said before, you could be one win from the top four or one win out of the top eight.
00:31:44
Tackles and Tinnies
I predict your defense is going to carry you home, though. You've double ups against the Penrith Panthers, Brisbane Broncos, and Melbourne Storm. Not good. Not ideal. They're juggernauts. They're going to be top four teams.
00:31:57
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, six is the hardest match. yeah I don't know, guys. How do you reckon they're going to go this year regarding their strength of schedule? Let me know in the comments, guys. Now, I've been doing a top 17. I've also been doing a top 19 projected. This is your best team out in the park.
00:32:15
Tackles and Tinnies
going to have some caveats which I'll talk about throughout the podcast in regards to your top 19. I keep referring to a top 19 because Blandi keeps saying that there's going to be a rule change and that rule changes with the bench increasing from four players to six players.
00:32:31
Tackles and Tinnies
However, only four out of those six players will be to play. So for example, Jersey 14, 15, 16, 17 play, which means Jersey 18 and 19 cannot play even though they've been named on the six man bench.
00:32:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Jersey 18 and 19 would then be used as emerging reserves, like currently it is for the 18th man, in case there's head knocks or any other misdemeanors. okay So that is interesting to note.
00:32:56
Tackles and Tinnies
I've named them accordingly okay where they would be ranked. It's also important to note, guys, that there could be some changes throughout the year. Coach Serraldo is not afraid to make the change if he thinks that they're not a premiership winning team.
00:33:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, we talked about Matt Byrd and shifting to centre here and there. We've talked about Galvin potentially switching from 5'8 to halfback. We've talked about Stephen Criden shifting to fullback at times in the red zone at the back half of the year or the back third of the year. And obviously he wasn't afraid to put Reid Marnie on the bench and or drop him.
00:33:32
Tackles and Tinnies
He wants a winning team. So there will be caveats, but I'll explain them as we go. This is your best 19 Bulldogs fans. At fullback, I've got Stephen Criden.
00:33:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Shoot me. Shoot me. I'm telling you, if you guys want to be top four, you guys want to make a prelim, let alone grand final, Steven Crichton has to be your fullback. Prove me wrong.
00:33:54
Tackles and Tinnies
Prove me wrong. All signs indicate that he will be there. I don't see the point of having him being that roving fullback at the back end of the year just to see if anything changed.
00:34:04
Tackles and Tinnies
I think it was a bit of an experiment and a test run for 2026, personally. personally On the wings, I've got Marcelo Montoya and Jacob Caraz, two mainstays from the 2025 season. I think they have great meter reiterage, great in contact, good tacklers, bit of an aerial threat, particularly for Caraz.
00:34:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Both good finishes. Caraz has a good offload. Now, at center, I've currently got Connor Tracy starting. Okay, so they've just swapped Critter and Tracy.
00:34:37
Tackles and Tinnies
However... However, the caveat, Matt Burden could get a smoky chance there at centre if Mitchell Woods starts at halfback.
00:34:48
Tackles and Tinnies
That is my caveat. If Mitchell Woods gets the starting halfback role, I think Connor Tracy, unfortunately, will be the unlucky man.
00:34:58
Tackles and Tinnies
I think he goes to be that utility off the bench. And again, I'll reiterate the final team at the end of this, but Connor Tracy starts the year at centre and to accompany him will be Bronson Cherry. I don't see Bronson Cherry moving from centre at all. Connor Tracy, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe.
00:35:18
Tackles and Tinnies
Matt Burden, maybe. Again, we'll talk about that later on. At 5-8 to start at round one, I've got Matt Burden. Okay, Matt Burden, proven commodity at 5-8.
00:35:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Great kicking game, can goal kick, good in defense, can put a guy through a hole, big body, makes sense. okay However, caveat, Lachlan Galvin could be shifted there if Mitchell Woods starts at halfback.
00:35:46
Tackles and Tinnies
That's the only way that happens. okay Matt Burden will be the 5'8", unless Mitchell Woods gets that starting halfback wrong. That's the caveat. So then if Mitchell Woods then starts at halfback,
00:36:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Galvin goes to 5'8". Then Matt Burton goes to center. Connor Tracy will be the unlucky man dropping out and he'll be getting a bench position. However, to start at round one, Matt Burton Halfback, Lachlan Galvin. That's what they did at the end of the year.
00:36:15
Tackles and Tinnies
At front row, I've got Leo Thompson and Max King. Max King, mainstay from last year. Leo Thompson, your new recruit. Alpha male, big enforcer. He's going to be great for you.
00:36:27
Tackles and Tinnies
Bailey Haywood. He got the starting position at the back end of the year. Took that from Reid Marnie's grasp, I guess you could say. i think he's going to be a mainstay there.
00:36:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Viliami Kikau and Jacob Preston, again, two mainstays as well. We talked about them in length at the start of the podcast. Great ball runners, big bodies, athletic, both international representatives in their own respect.
00:36:54
Tackles and Tinnies
Unreal. They're probably your two strongest positions. Lock. Could go either way. Could get a guy like Kurt Mann. Could a get a guy like Jamin Salmon.
00:37:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Could he get a guy i like Satili Tupanua. Could he even get a guy like Josh Curran. Currently, I have got Jamin Salmon. I think he retains that position at the lock.
00:37:14
Tackles and Tinnies
I like his aggression. He's a bit of a, he's got that dog in him. He's got that bulldog in him. Jamin Salmon will be the lock. He'll be the link man. Coming off the bench, I've got Kurt Mann.
00:37:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Could definitely be starting at lock. Don't get me wrong. He's an origin representative. He's he's a workhorse. He's a workhorse. Does he make more sense coming off the bench?
00:37:37
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe. Worked in origin. Does he provide more X factor compared to Salmon? Potentially. Let me know in the comments, guys. Would you rather Kurt Mann or Jamin Salmon start at lock? I want to know your opinion in the comments.
00:37:50
Tackles and Tinnies
Jersey 15. I've got Satili Tupanua. The glaze continues. Ball runner, destructive, can play multiple positions, great utility, modern-day forward gun, absolute gun.
00:38:03
Tackles and Tinnies
I've got Josh Curran also in that middle-slash-edge rotation, probably more middle-slash-edge than edge, very serviceable, big loss for 2027 when he goes to the Perth Bears.
00:38:14
Tackles and Tinnies
But, yeah, he's your modern-day front row. He's that perfect archetype. Now, going off contracts alone, I'm going Harry Hayes here. Going Harry Hayes.
00:38:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Big long-term contract. I'll quickly scroll up. Harry Hayes is there to end of 2029. The contract alone makes me think he's going to be a mainstay in your team.
00:38:35
Tackles and Tinnies
So I think he definitely jags a bench position. A jersey 18. This is where we're going to have the utility outside back. So I've got...
00:38:47
Tackles and Tinnies
Enre Tuala. I've got Tuala coming as your utility as a back. Can play wing, can play center, has filled in in the past in the outside backs when there's been injuries.
00:38:57
Tackles and Tinnies
However, if... Mitchell Wood starts at halfback, and then Galvin goes to 5'8", and then Matt Burden goes to center. I talked about Connor Tracy coming full circle. He would be the utility outside back, and Tawala then drops off.
00:39:12
Tackles and Tinnies
However, I predict Connor Tracy will start at center, and Tawala will be the utility outside back at Jersey 18. I've also got another middle coming off the bench, Supercoach Nuff in Sam Hughes. serviceful Serviceable, big body, can help Leo Thompson and Max King. If you need a different sort of look comparatively to Tupanual or Josh Cohen or even Harry Hayes sort of vibe, yeah, Sam Hughes is that guy.
00:39:37
Tackles and Tinnies
Is he exciting? Not really. But yeah, that's what we' definitely talk about. Some other guys we could definitely be talking about. So the rest of the squad, you've got Hop Jack Todd, Saluka Fafidi, Kay Dyke, Sean O'Souvelin, Mitchell Woods, Patrick Young.
00:39:55
Tackles and Tinnies
All these type of guys could get smoky extended bench spots depending on injuries, depending, yeah, injuries more so than form in my eyes. be more So I think you're pretty stable overall besides the halfback. Again, huge domino effect.
00:40:11
Tackles and Tinnies
I think it's the question mark, guys. I need to know in the comments. I've said it multiple times, but Mitchell Woods, does he get a crack at first grade this year? If so, does everything change again?
00:40:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Does Mitchell Woods go to halfback, Galvin to 5'8", Burden to center, Critted to fullback, and Connor Tracy to utility? Let me know in the comments.
00:40:32
Tackles and Tinnies
It's great conversation point. And also want to know, does Sean O'Sutherland get a chance at first grade? Very steady hand. Timo Toby Sexton, very serviceable in regards to mentoring. I think that's one of the main reasons why he got signed. I've heard a lot of conversation about him being a future coach.
00:40:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Fantastic. Got a good footy brain on him. I think it's his dad. Peter O'Souvelin, he helped shape the Dolphins and their structure. Definitely one to watch. Now, big 2026 storylines.
00:41:03
Tackles and Tinnies
The Galvin Mitchell Woods, are they ready to unleash it? I think that's probably one of the biggest things. Are they ready to unleash that? If not, do they just be a little bit more safe and create a fullback?
00:41:18
Tackles and Tinnies
That's probably one of the biggest storylines to look at. Is Leo Thompson enough Do they need more middle depth? Definitely was something else. Is Bailey Haywood going to be sufficient at hooker?
00:41:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Do they need a guy like Chan Con Tom to come off the bench? I don't project them to at the moment, do they need a guy like that? Maybe. I've heard he's training the house down, as they all say in the offseason.
00:41:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Big things to see.
00:41:45
Tackles and Tinnies
now For getting new people who haven't listened to my podcast before, I like to do the 2026 ladder prediction. okay And I also get ChatGPD to give you some cap or fact questions.
00:41:56
Tackles and Tinnies
So how we decide the latter prediction. okay We look at their strength of schedule. We look at their quality of player. Is there any injuries going into the season?
00:42:06
Tackles and Tinnies
How do they went in 2025? And then we synthesize that and we give you an answer or a band of where they'll place. So in 2025, you guys rank third with a point differentiation of 120. We know that.
00:42:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Your roster's good. You beefed up your pack. You've got depth. Good. Your draw is tough, but certainly manageable. You're versing some very good quality teams, but everyone has to do that.
00:42:33
Tackles and Tinnies
Everyone to do that. My call for 2026, the Bulldogs will come between 4th and 6th. That's my guess.
00:42:45
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm struggling with all these podcasts, guys. I feel like everyone is fourth to six. I don't think your top three, I think your top three is going to be Penrith, Broncos, Melbourne. I think you just miss out.
00:42:57
Tackles and Tinnies
I could definitely see a Cronulla Sharks getting a sniff as a regular season beat down of a team. But we'll see. We'll see. Yeah, fourth to six is my prediction. Still a top four team on paper. Your ceiling, Premiers,
00:43:13
Tackles and Tinnies
Caveat, Stephen Crichton at fullback. I'm going to keep saying it. Stephen Crichton has to be fullback for you guys to win a premiership. But yeah, I definitely could see you guys reaching a prelim at the minimum as your ceiling.
00:43:24
Tackles and Tinnies
And your floor, you're still a top eight team. Definitely a top eight team. I don't see you falling below eighth. And that's pretty conservative. I think you guys will agree with that.
00:43:34
Tackles and Tinnies
But what do you think of my prediction, guys? Fourth to sixth in 2026. Am I too high? Am I too low? What do you reckon of the ceiling? What do you reckon the floor? Let me know in the comments below. And again, to wrap up the podcast, I mentioned before I get Chippy T to write me a question regarding the Canary Bulldogs.
00:43:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Cap or fact? So cap being yeah, no. Fact being yes. Cap or fact? The Bulldogs stay a top four side? So guys, you came third 2025.
00:44:02
Tackles and Tinnies
The dogs stay a top four side in 2026 and finish fourth with Galvin steering the ship or do they slide to the bottom half of the eight? I'm going to say
00:44:12
Tackles and Tinnies
I think you guys slide. I don't think you come in the top four, unfortunately. I think you've a lot of things go your way. i think your attack being 10th is your kryptonite. I think teams are going to be better.
00:44:27
Tackles and Tinnies
next year overall in terms of quality. I think rosters are beefed up all across the park. I'm worried about your attack. I'm certainly worried about your attack. Let me know, am I capping or am I facting? Because I need help.
00:44:41
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm struggling with this. But guys, that's your review. That's your 2025 review for your team. That's your 2026 preview. Have I gone? Let me know in the comments, guys.
00:44:52
Tackles and Tinnies
But want you guys to like, share, tell them, mate. Keep pumping up tackles and tinnies. All this positive momentum going into the season, I'm loving it. I'm loving the conversation, guys. I'm a schoolteacher by trade.
00:45:05
Tackles and Tinnies
i literally just talk for living. I might be talking shit, but hey, I'm enjoying the process. I love Supercoach. Talk to me about Supercoach. Again, I'm bringing the boys on. We're reuniting. The secret squad jumping back on the potty. Chris is going to be doing some position by position breakdown, which is probably going to be audio released. Send me your teams, guys, in the comments as well.
00:45:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Talk to me about the Bulldogs. Don't throw too much slander about the Gold Coast Titans. It's rude. We're trying this year. Josh Hanna, he's bringing us back up. But, yeah, we love you guys. We appreciate you. Like, share, subscribe.
00:45:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Tell a mate about Tacos and Tinnies. I hope you enjoy your day. This was also filmed on the 1st of February. Up the doggies.