mtd#2
Well-known member
Dear Bulldogs members,
Before I talk about our season, I want to share something personal with you. 2026 has been a particularly challenging year for me away from football. As some of you may know, the day after our Las Vegas season opener, my 21-year-old daughter Charlotte was admitted to hospital in the United States, and my wife and I have been by her side ever since.
Aside from short trips home coinciding with the Raiders and Tigers games, I have watched every game
from hospital with Charlotte as she recovers from a very serious illness. Thankfully she continues to make progress, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support — our family has been deeply touched by the kindness of our Club, our fans, the NRL and the broader rugby league community.
Whilst I’ve been in the US, I have been in daily contact with both Gus and Aaron, and in regular contact with Cameron and the rest of the Board. I can’t wait to be back in Australia watching our team from the stands — hopefully for our game against Manly in a fortnight.
Our 2026 season started in incredible fashion. Las Vegas was a phenomenal experience — an unforgettable week for our Club and for the members and fans who made the journey to support us. We beat the Dragons in extra time at Allegiant Stadium, and the reception our
team and fans received was everything we hoped it would be. It was a week I’ll never forget.
Since then, I won’t pretend otherwise — our season has been very disappointing. After an outstanding win against Penrith in Round 6, we’ve won just one of our last seven matches and are sitting 14th on the ladder at the halfway mark of the season. That is below all of our expectations heading into the year, and I want to be honest with you about why I believe this has happened.
The rule changes and refereeing interpretations have had a significant impact on the way football has been played in 2026. After 13 rounds, all four of last year’s top teams find themselves outside the top eight. Average points per match and average winning margins are both up significantly on 2025. The game looks different this year — and every club is adapting in real time. I mention this not as an excuse, but as context. The honest reality is that the changes have arguably not suited our style of play or the shape of our roster — and it is on us to adapt faster than we have. Every other club is dealing with the same rules. We need to deal with them better.
Injuries and suspensions have disrupted our squad. I don’t want to lean on this too heavily — every club deals with injuries and our players have refused to use it as an excuse.But at various points this season we have been without Viliame Kikau, Leo Thompson, Jacob Preston, Jacob Kiraz, Max King, Stephen Crichton, Harry Hayes, Jake Turpin, Mitch Woods and Jack Todd. Several others have been playing through injury each week to take the field. Our depth has been tested.
Our discipline and error count have let us down. This one is simply on us. We have given good teams too many opportunities through unforced errors and poor discipline, and we need to be better. No excuses.
Injuries and suspensions have disrupted our squad. I don’t want to lean on this too heavily — every club deals with injuries and our players have refused to use it as an excuse.But at various points this season we have been without Viliame Kikau, Leo Thompson, Jacob Preston, Jacob Kiraz, Max King, Stephen Crichton, Harry Hayes, Jake Turpin, Mitch Woods and Jack Todd. Several others have been playing through injury each week to take the field. Our depth has been tested.
Our discipline and error count have let us down. This one is simply on us. We have given good teams too many opportunities through unforced errors and poor discipline, and we need to be better. No excuses.
Despite some of what you might read or see in the media, I want to be clear about what is not broken. Our team remains connected. They train well each week. The culture that Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould have built — the culture that got us to third on the ladder last year and back to finals for two consecutive seasons — is intact. Gus, Cameron and our entire football department are working tirelessly, and I have complete confidence in the work they are doing. This football department has come a long way in a short time, and they care about results more than anyone.
I have also heard lots of questions about recruitment and retention. Many are fair, but most are missing context that we are not in a position to share publicly — whether that’s the financial reality behind roster decisions or the reasons why players from our pathways programs are sometimes released. I understand that frustrates people. But every decision is made with the Club’s long-term interests front of mind. Our salary cap is in good shape.
On a positive note, I am pleased to announce that Enari Tuala has re-signed with the club for a further two seasons. In a challenging year, Enari has been one of our most consistent performers — his versatility across both centre and wing makes him a valuable member of our squad, and we are delighted to have him committed to the Bulldogs. One thing that has genuinely brightened our season has been the first grade debuts of AJ Jones, Jack Underhill and Jed Reardon. All three are products of our pathways system, and Jed became the fifth player to debut from our 2024 premiership-winning Jersey Flegg team. We are hopeful that one or two more young players may get the opportunity to debut before the season is out.
I am also pleased to confirm that both AJ and Jed have extended their contracts through 2027, while Jack remains contracted for 2027 with the club holding an option for 2028. All three have bright futures at this club, and we look forward to watching them continue to develop.
Away from the men’s program, I want to congratulate our Lisa Fiaola Cup team who won their Grand Final — a fantastic result and a great reflection of the strength of our female pathways. Our NRLW side is also about to commence their second season, and I am excited to watch that program continue to grow. I am also delighted to confirm that our 2025 co- captain Tayla Preston has re-signed with the club through to the end of the 2028 season — a wonderful statement of commitment from one of the leaders of our women’s program.
Off the field, our Centre of Excellence remains on track to open in early 2027 — a facility that will genuinely transform how we develop players and be a statement of the Club’s long- term ambitions. In a lovely touch, over 500 fans have written personal messages and memories that will be printed on physical cards and buried beneath the foundation of the facility forever — a permanent reminder of the people this club is built for.
Commercially, despite the challenges on the field, I want to thank our members for their incredible loyalty. With over 31,000 members and counting, we are on track to set a new club record — which says everything about the passion and commitment of our Bulldogs Family.
On the community front, I also want to highlight the incredible work our Club continues to do beyond the game. This week our Game Changers program — which delivers life skills education across leadership, mental health, financial literacy and more to high school students across the Canterbury-Bankstown region — was formally recognised by the NSW Department of Education, with Premier Chris Minns attending the graduation ceremony. It is a program we are enormously proud of, and a reminder that this club’s impact extends well beyond what happens on the field on a weekend. We also hosted our annual Iftar dinner, which attracted over 1,000 guests — the largest in the club’s history. Moments like that speak to the diversity and depth of our community, and to who we are as a club.
Most importantly, I want to encourage everyone to get to Accor Stadium for our King’s Birthday clash against the Eels on Monday. Last year’s King’s Birthday was one of the great days of our 2025 season — and I know what a full Accor crowd means to our players. Come out, make some noise, and show this team what the Bulldogs Family is all about.
Together, we will get through this rough patch. I have no doubt about that. I want to take a moment to specifically recognise Canterbury League Club and our major partner the Laundy Group for their continued support. To all of our sponsors and commercial partners, thank you for your continued faith in our Club. And to every one of our members and fans — thank you. Your loyalty means everything.
Go Dogs!
Adam Driussi Chairman
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Before I talk about our season, I want to share something personal with you. 2026 has been a particularly challenging year for me away from football. As some of you may know, the day after our Las Vegas season opener, my 21-year-old daughter Charlotte was admitted to hospital in the United States, and my wife and I have been by her side ever since.
Aside from short trips home coinciding with the Raiders and Tigers games, I have watched every game
from hospital with Charlotte as she recovers from a very serious illness. Thankfully she continues to make progress, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support — our family has been deeply touched by the kindness of our Club, our fans, the NRL and the broader rugby league community.
Whilst I’ve been in the US, I have been in daily contact with both Gus and Aaron, and in regular contact with Cameron and the rest of the Board. I can’t wait to be back in Australia watching our team from the stands — hopefully for our game against Manly in a fortnight.
Our 2026 season started in incredible fashion. Las Vegas was a phenomenal experience — an unforgettable week for our Club and for the members and fans who made the journey to support us. We beat the Dragons in extra time at Allegiant Stadium, and the reception our
team and fans received was everything we hoped it would be. It was a week I’ll never forget.
Since then, I won’t pretend otherwise — our season has been very disappointing. After an outstanding win against Penrith in Round 6, we’ve won just one of our last seven matches and are sitting 14th on the ladder at the halfway mark of the season. That is below all of our expectations heading into the year, and I want to be honest with you about why I believe this has happened.
The rule changes and refereeing interpretations have had a significant impact on the way football has been played in 2026. After 13 rounds, all four of last year’s top teams find themselves outside the top eight. Average points per match and average winning margins are both up significantly on 2025. The game looks different this year — and every club is adapting in real time. I mention this not as an excuse, but as context. The honest reality is that the changes have arguably not suited our style of play or the shape of our roster — and it is on us to adapt faster than we have. Every other club is dealing with the same rules. We need to deal with them better.
Injuries and suspensions have disrupted our squad. I don’t want to lean on this too heavily — every club deals with injuries and our players have refused to use it as an excuse.But at various points this season we have been without Viliame Kikau, Leo Thompson, Jacob Preston, Jacob Kiraz, Max King, Stephen Crichton, Harry Hayes, Jake Turpin, Mitch Woods and Jack Todd. Several others have been playing through injury each week to take the field. Our depth has been tested.
Our discipline and error count have let us down. This one is simply on us. We have given good teams too many opportunities through unforced errors and poor discipline, and we need to be better. No excuses.
Injuries and suspensions have disrupted our squad. I don’t want to lean on this too heavily — every club deals with injuries and our players have refused to use it as an excuse.But at various points this season we have been without Viliame Kikau, Leo Thompson, Jacob Preston, Jacob Kiraz, Max King, Stephen Crichton, Harry Hayes, Jake Turpin, Mitch Woods and Jack Todd. Several others have been playing through injury each week to take the field. Our depth has been tested.
Our discipline and error count have let us down. This one is simply on us. We have given good teams too many opportunities through unforced errors and poor discipline, and we need to be better. No excuses.
Despite some of what you might read or see in the media, I want to be clear about what is not broken. Our team remains connected. They train well each week. The culture that Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould have built — the culture that got us to third on the ladder last year and back to finals for two consecutive seasons — is intact. Gus, Cameron and our entire football department are working tirelessly, and I have complete confidence in the work they are doing. This football department has come a long way in a short time, and they care about results more than anyone.
I have also heard lots of questions about recruitment and retention. Many are fair, but most are missing context that we are not in a position to share publicly — whether that’s the financial reality behind roster decisions or the reasons why players from our pathways programs are sometimes released. I understand that frustrates people. But every decision is made with the Club’s long-term interests front of mind. Our salary cap is in good shape.
On a positive note, I am pleased to announce that Enari Tuala has re-signed with the club for a further two seasons. In a challenging year, Enari has been one of our most consistent performers — his versatility across both centre and wing makes him a valuable member of our squad, and we are delighted to have him committed to the Bulldogs. One thing that has genuinely brightened our season has been the first grade debuts of AJ Jones, Jack Underhill and Jed Reardon. All three are products of our pathways system, and Jed became the fifth player to debut from our 2024 premiership-winning Jersey Flegg team. We are hopeful that one or two more young players may get the opportunity to debut before the season is out.
I am also pleased to confirm that both AJ and Jed have extended their contracts through 2027, while Jack remains contracted for 2027 with the club holding an option for 2028. All three have bright futures at this club, and we look forward to watching them continue to develop.
Away from the men’s program, I want to congratulate our Lisa Fiaola Cup team who won their Grand Final — a fantastic result and a great reflection of the strength of our female pathways. Our NRLW side is also about to commence their second season, and I am excited to watch that program continue to grow. I am also delighted to confirm that our 2025 co- captain Tayla Preston has re-signed with the club through to the end of the 2028 season — a wonderful statement of commitment from one of the leaders of our women’s program.
Off the field, our Centre of Excellence remains on track to open in early 2027 — a facility that will genuinely transform how we develop players and be a statement of the Club’s long- term ambitions. In a lovely touch, over 500 fans have written personal messages and memories that will be printed on physical cards and buried beneath the foundation of the facility forever — a permanent reminder of the people this club is built for.
Commercially, despite the challenges on the field, I want to thank our members for their incredible loyalty. With over 31,000 members and counting, we are on track to set a new club record — which says everything about the passion and commitment of our Bulldogs Family.
On the community front, I also want to highlight the incredible work our Club continues to do beyond the game. This week our Game Changers program — which delivers life skills education across leadership, mental health, financial literacy and more to high school students across the Canterbury-Bankstown region — was formally recognised by the NSW Department of Education, with Premier Chris Minns attending the graduation ceremony. It is a program we are enormously proud of, and a reminder that this club’s impact extends well beyond what happens on the field on a weekend. We also hosted our annual Iftar dinner, which attracted over 1,000 guests — the largest in the club’s history. Moments like that speak to the diversity and depth of our community, and to who we are as a club.
Most importantly, I want to encourage everyone to get to Accor Stadium for our King’s Birthday clash against the Eels on Monday. Last year’s King’s Birthday was one of the great days of our 2025 season — and I know what a full Accor crowd means to our players. Come out, make some noise, and show this team what the Bulldogs Family is all about.
Together, we will get through this rough patch. I have no doubt about that. I want to take a moment to specifically recognise Canterbury League Club and our major partner the Laundy Group for their continued support. To all of our sponsors and commercial partners, thank you for your continued faith in our Club. And to every one of our members and fans — thank you. Your loyalty means everything.
Go Dogs!
Adam Driussi Chairman
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
