Bulldogs Struggle Against Sharks as NRL Finals Loom
Hey everyone, let me fill you in on the latest NRL action. The Bulldogs were up against the Sharks at Stadium Australia, and the game was tense—not so much for the scoreline, but because both teams were really focused on avoiding injuries ahead of the finals. The Bulldogs, sitting third on the ladder, and the Sharks, fifth, knew that this wasn’t about climbing positions anymore—it was about staying fit and avoiding any late-season setbacks.
The match kicked off with high energy, and early on, the Bulldogs’ defense was impressive. Their line speed made it hard for the Sharks to break through. But not long after, trouble started for Canterbury. Bronson Xerri went down after hitting his head in a tackle, and Viliame Kikau had some scary moments where he was clearly shaken on the field. Kikau eventually had to leave for a head injury assessment, and Matt Burton shifted positions to cover the gaps. It was clear that injuries were dictating a lot of the game.
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By half-time, the Sharks had built up a commanding lead of 18-0. The Bulldogs just couldn’t get their attack going, and the Sharks were capitalizing on every opportunity. Sifa Talakai, Blayke Brailey, and Nicho Hynes were particularly dangerous, repeatedly breaking through the Bulldogs’ defense. Even when Enari Tuala managed a sensational 95-metre run for a try, the Bulldogs were struggling to keep up with the Sharks’ momentum.
In the second half, the Sharks kept their pressure on. Daniel Atkinson and Ronaldo Mulitalo combined for a well-executed try, highlighting the Sharks’ strong teamwork and finishing. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were trying to stay in the game without making matters worse for their already injured players. Matt Burton, despite carrying a shoulder knock, continued to play, showing great determination, but it was a tough night for Canterbury.
Elsewhere, in other NRL action, Penrith secured seventh place by beating the Dragons 40-20, locking in the top eight with a round to spare. On the other end of the ladder, the Titans staged a remarkable comeback to beat the Tigers 36-28, giving Kieran Foran a victorious send-off in his final NRL match. That win also kept the Titans’ hopes alive to avoid the wooden spoon, depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s match between the Eels and the Knights.
So, for the Bulldogs, it was really a night about damage control rather than glory. The team is heading into the finals knowing that injuries have reshaped their squad, but the focus will now be on recovery and strategy. Meanwhile, the Sharks demonstrated that even late in the season, they can execute sharp, disciplined play when it counts, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting finals series.
In short, it was a night of tough lessons for the Bulldogs, brilliant finishes for the Sharks, and emotional farewells for veterans like Kieran Foran—a reminder of how unpredictable and intense NRL can be, even as the regular season winds down.
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