2025 NRL Regular Season: Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins Preview & Prediction
Ciraldo’s Depth Test; Averillo the No.1 Gun
The 2025 NRL regular season continues to deliver intriguing match-ups, and this weekend’s clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Dolphins promises fireworks. Set to take place at Accor Stadium, the Round 12 fixture not only holds weight in terms of ladder implications but also presents a major litmus test for Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo, who faces one of the most critical depth challenges of his tenure.
Ciraldo’s Depth Test
With injuries and Origin selections beginning to bite, Ciraldo is being forced to reach deeper into his squad than at any other point this season. The Bulldogs have impressed with their resilience in 2025, sitting just inside the top eight, but they’ll need to navigate the next few weeks without several of their top-line stars.
Matt Burton is in doubt due to a minor calf issue, while Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney are likely unavailable due to representative duties. That puts the spotlight on Ciraldo’s development system and bench rotation — areas he has spent the last 18 months strengthening.
Youngsters like Khaled Rajab, Jacob Preston, and Blake Wilson are expected to take on greater responsibilities. The coaching staff has been vocal about building a “next man up” mentality, and this week will be the ultimate proof of whether that mindset has taken root.
Averillo the No.1 Gun
One major bright spot for the Bulldogs has been the explosive form of Jake Averillo. Moved into the fullback role permanently at the start of 2025, Averillo has flourished, delivering on his promise with electrifying kick returns, excellent support play, and improved ball-handling.
Averillo leads the Bulldogs in line breaks (12), tackle busts (38), and try involvements (15) this season. His speed and spatial awareness have transformed Canterbury’s attack, and he’s emerged as their most consistent backline weapon. Against the Dolphins’ well-drilled defence, Averillo’s impact could be the decisive factor.
Dolphins’ Challenge
On the other side, Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins continue to build on their impressive debut season in 2023. Although not quite at the heights of their inaugural campaign, they remain a grinding, physical team that excels in the basics. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Isaiya Katoa, and Felise Kaufusi continue to anchor the side, providing both flair and discipline.
The Dolphins come into the match just one spot above the Bulldogs on the ladder, and a win here could solidify their claim to a top-six berth. Bennett’s men will look to target Canterbury’s edge defence, especially with Kikau missing. Their kicking game, led by Katoa, will test the Bulldogs’ back three relentlessly.
Prediction
This match shapes as a tight, tactical contest. Both teams are missing key personnel, but the Bulldogs have shown a greater attacking spark in recent weeks, largely thanks to Averillo’s dynamism and improved combinations in the halves.
If Averillo can continue his red-hot form and the Bulldogs’ young forward pack can match the Dolphins physically, Canterbury should edge this contest.
Prediction: Bulldogs 24, Dolphins 20
Key Player: Jake Averillo (Bulldogs)
X-Factor: Khaled Rajab’s playmaking under pressure
Injury Watch: Matt Burton (calf – game-day decision)
This clash could go down to the wire, and it may be remembered as the night Canterbury’s depth finally stood tall under Ciraldo’s watch.
Leave a Reply