Canterbury Bulldogs Lead the NRL at Halfway Mark – But Can They Go the Distance?
As the NRL regular season hits the halfway mark with Round 14, the Canterbury Bulldogs find themselves at the top of the ladder — a position few would have predicted at the start of 2025. With 10 wins from 13 matches, Cameron Ciraldo’s men have emerged as this season’s biggest surprise. But the question remains: is this early dominance sustainable, or are cracks beginning to show?
The Bulldogs have been one of the league’s most improved sides this year, riding a wave of defensive discipline and tactical sharpness. Averaging just 14.6 points conceded per game — the best defensive record in the NRL — they’ve built success on the back of grit, structure, and a refreshed roster.
Reed Mahoney’s leadership out of dummy half, combined with Matt Burton’s precision kicking game and the explosiveness of Jacob Kiraz and Josh Addo-Carr out wide, has created a dynamic, well-rounded team. But beyond the headline figures, deeper stats reveal an interesting picture.
Despite their top billing, the Bulldogs rank only sixth in total points scored — averaging 21.3 points per game. Their attacking efficiency has been heavily reliant on counter-attacking and capitalising on errors. In fact, they have the fewest average tackles inside the opposition 20-metre zone among the top five sides. That suggests their margin for error may be thinner than it looks.
Their forward pack, while mobile and high-energy, has faced challenges against more physical sides. Losses to South Sydney and Brisbane — both of whom dominated the ruck — exposed potential weaknesses in the middle. As fatigue builds into the back half of the season, this could become a growing concern.
The Bulldogs also have one of the toughest remaining schedules. Over the next six rounds, they face four current top-eight teams, including Melbourne and the resurgent Roosters. The next month will be a serious test of their premiership credentials.
Historically, topping the ladder at the halfway point hasn’t guaranteed success. Only three of the past 10 midseason leaders have gone on to win the premiership. Sustained excellence in the second half — not just a strong start — separates contenders from pretenders.
Still, for Bulldogs fans starved of finals footy since 2016, leading the competition in June is a welcome sight. The blue and white faithful have reason to believe again — but the road ahead is long and winding. If the data is any guide, the Bulldogs must evolve further to stay ahead in this grueling 27-round campaign.
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