The 2024 NRL season has been a journey through the sludge of Aotearoa’s mangroves for New Zealand Warriors and with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs heading over the Tasman to play Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup and NRL games against the Warriors, it could get even more niggly. Bulldogs blasted their way ahead of NZW (and many other NRL teams) this season as coach Cameron Ciraldo stayed true to his style of play and team identity to build a team that is preparing for a deep run into finals footy.
Bulldogs (fifth) are also one spot behind NZW (fourth) in NSW Cup with both teams on 13 wins, while the Under 21 Bulldogs team are cruising near the top of the Jersey Flegg ladder in second spot. The last time these two NRL organisations lined up against each other in these three grades, Bulldogs won all three games with a combined score of 89-34 in favour of the Doggies.
There is a decent chance that NZW fall to an 0-6 record against Bulldogs in this phase across the three grades. NZW could rally for an emotional NRL fixture and maybe the U21s find some juice as they try to climb out of 12th (14 teams) spot, yet the best NZW team right now is the NSW Cup group. The NSW Cup Warriors have a fabulous 7-3 record for home games and are currently a top-four team, playing with a consistent rotation of U21 youngsters.
