2026 Canterbury Bulldogs NRL Depth Chart and Predicted Team

2026 Canterbury Bulldogs Predicted Round 1 Team

The Bulldogs line up is relatively unchanged from how they finished the season in 2025.

With Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney gone, Lachlan Galvin will join Matt Burton in the halves, whilst Bailey Hayward is likely to start and get the full 80 minutes at hooker.

Leo Thompson bolsters an already-stacked Bulldogs forward pack, joining Origin representative Max King in the front row.

The Bulldogs bench is full of versatility with Kurt Mann capable of playing at lock, hooker, centre or even in the halves; whilst Josh Curran and Sitili Tupouniua proved last season they can cover the edge and middle if required.

Fullback: Connor Tracey
Left Wing: Marcelo Montoya
Left Centre: Bronson Xerri
Right Centre: Stephen Crichton (c)
Right Wing: Jacob Kiraz
Left Half: Matt Burton
Right Half: Lachlan Galvin
Prop: Max King
Hooker: Bailey Hayward
Prop: Leo Thompson
Left 2nd Row: Viliame Kikau
Right 2nd Row: Jacob Preston
Lock: Jaeman Salmon

Bench: Kurt Mann
Bench: Harry Hayes
Bench: Sitili Tupouniua
Bench: Josh Curran

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2026 Canterbury Bulldogs Squad

Bailey Hayward, Bronson Xerri, Connor Tracey, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Enari Tuala, Finau Latu, Harry Hayes, Jack Todd, Jacob Kiraz, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Jonathan Sua, Josh Curran, Kade Dykes, Kurt Mann, Lachlan Galvin, Leo Thompson, Lipoi Hopoi, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, Max King, Mitchell Woods, Patrick Young, Sam Hughes, Sean O'Sullivan, Sitili Tupouniua, Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Zyon Maiu’u

*Last updated 9 Jan 2026

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2026 Canterbury Bulldogs Transfers

2026 gains: 

Leo Thompson (Knights), Kade Dykes (Sharks), Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Sean O'Sullivan (Dolphins), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Sea Eagles)

2026 losses: 

Toby Sexton (Catalans), Reed Mahoney (Cowboys), Blake Taaffe (Castleford), Kurtis Morrin (Titans), Blake Wilson (Sea Eagles), Luke Smith (London Broncos), Joseph O'Neill (Dragons)

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2026 Canterbury Bulldogs Depth Chart

*Last updated 9 Jan 2026

No real surprises in the Bulldogs starting 13, with the only real pressure being on Jaeman Salmon who is contending with Kurt Mann, Jack Todd and schoolboy sensation Finau Latu.

Bench spots will be hotly contested at Belmore all season. The likes of Sam Hughes, Jack Todd, Daniel Suluka-Fifita plus new recruits Fletcher Baker, Finau Latu, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Zyon Maiu’u are all capable of stepping up in case of injury or poor performance.

Kade Dykes was signed to put some pressure on Connor Tracey, but if Tracey does go down it is just as likely that Cameron Ciraldo will look to captain Stephen Crichton or Jacob Kiraz to wear the #1 jersey.

The battle between the two young Bulldogs halves Lachlan Galvin and Mitchell Woods will also be an interesting watch throughout the season.

Galvin should get first shot in the #7, however, if the Bulldogs perform similar to their end of season in 2025 - Woods is definitely next up. Sean O’Sullivan is ultimate cover if both Dogs’ halves go down.

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