As the 2023 season ends for a number of clubs, we look back on the highs and lows for every club, their best player, the changes they need to make for next season and an early prediction for where they will finish in 2024.
In this edition, we take a look at the Bulldogs and Titans who despite finishing closely on the ladder, the Titans enter the off season with plenty of optimism whereas the Bulldogs must do some soul-searching.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 7 wins, 17 losses, -331. Ladder: 15th
After securing the services of the most sought after rookie coach in Cameron Ciraldo, hopes were high for the Bulldogs. The off-season acquisitions of Reed Mahoney and Viliame Kikau added to the hype and with early wins against the Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys had Bulldogs fans believing this team had finally left the dog days behind them.
Sadly, the Bulldogs were on the back-end of some absolute hidings and ended the season with the worst defence in the competition. A recent training mishap resulting in a player walking out on the club is a bad footnote on a dismal season.
Highlight
Claiming their first win in Melbourne since 2016.
After the Bulldogs were soundly beaten in Round 1 against Manly, they travelled South to take on the Melbourne Storm in what was expected to be a comfortable victory for the home team. Instead, the Bulldogs pulled off a stunning upset in an early glimpse into what the team was capable of under new coach Ciraldo.
It was also the coming of age for Jacob Kiraz who ran 235 metres, two line breaks and scored two tries. Rookie Jacob Preston scored his first try in the NRL and ran for 116 metres with 39 tackles.
Lowlight
The Knight-mare 66-0 loss to Newcastle.
In the same week the Tigers suffered the worst defeat in the NRL era, the Bulldogs went agonisingly close with a 66-0 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle. The Dogs allowed almost 2,000 running metres, 13 line breaks and had 63 missed tackles as the Knights ran in 11 tries.
At this point in the season, Newcastle were sitting in 14th position and were only one spot above the Bulldogs on the ladder. It was the beginning of a magical run for the Knights but it was the first sign of cracks starting to emerge in the Bulldogs and in Cirlado. The Knights would inflict more punishment with a 42-6 win just six weeks later.
Best Player
Jacob Preston.
Already considered a future captain of the club, Jacob Preston had an outstanding rookie year for the Bulldogs and if it weren’t for his side’s poor performances throughout the year, he would be in the conversation for Dally M rookie of the year.
In just 20 appearances, the 21-year-old averaged 38 tackles per game at 91% efficiency, averaged just under 100 running metres, had 10 line breaks and crossed over for six tries.
What they need for 2024
Leadership.
The Bulldogs dominated the headlines in the last fortnight of the home and away season for all the wrong reasons.
Rumours began to circulate of a group of players being unhappy with Ciraldo’s training methods which led to the lack of standards set at the club. This wasn’t helped by poor on-field performances and it reached fever pitch when a player was punished for being late by having to wrestle teammates at training, resulting in the unnamed player leaving the club.
The Daily Telegrpah’s David Riccio highlighted the lack of leadership on the playing roster with senior players Reed Mahoney, Josh Addo-Carr, Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton not being captains at their previous clubs. Whichever players are appointed to the 2024 leadership group must be responsible for setting high standards both on and off the field. Otherwise, the Bulldogs can expect similar fortunes in 2024.
Early 2024 prediction
11th.
Ciraldo’s first year of a rebuild was never going to be an instant fix and after a tough debut year at the helm. Ciraldo has identified which players to keep and the others that aren’t pulling their weight. The additions of Stephen Crichton and Jaeman Salmon from Penrith and Blake Taaffe will be invaluable and the message from the coaching staff will begin to click in year two under Ciraldo.
Grade: F
Gold Coast Titans - 9 wins, 15 losses, -126
Ladder: 14th
Despite finishing 14th on the ladder, one could argue the Titans’ performances on the field far exceeded their 2022 campaign and although they registered just the nine wins, there was plenty to like about Gold Coast. The inclusion of Kieran Foran into the side was the experienced playmaker that the Titans had been crying out for and despite having a few regrettable moments, Tanah Boyd had his best season in the NRL. The unexpected sacking of Justin Holbrook midway through the year may prove to be a masterstroke given dual premiership coach Des Hasler is set to take over this exciting roster.
Highlight
Titans claim Queensland Derby honours over Brisbane.
The Brisbane Broncos were on fire when the two sides met at Suncorp Stadium in Round 17 and many, including the Broncos, expected to roll over the Titans. However, the Broncos were ill-disciplined and were out of sync in attack for much of the afternoon which the Titans took full advantage of. Gold Coast somehow went into half-time at six-all despite being outplayed for most of the opening stanza. They then shot out to a 16-6 lead early in the second half and managed to hold on out a fast finishing Broncos who threw everything at them in the final 20 minutes. Easily their best win of the season.
Lowlight
Several blown leads.
The Titans easily could’ve had more than nine wins in 2023 if not for some costly lapses which ultimately cost them a spot in finals. The 26-0 blown lead against the Dolphins in Round 8 was the equal-worst collapse in NRL history with the newest franchise coming from the clouds to claim a famous 28-26 victory.
The Titans were well in control of their Round 12 match against the Bulldogs but conceded two late tries to go down by two points. The Titans surrendered another lead against the Eels who at one stage, had two players sent to the sin bin. Boyd had a chance to level the scores with a last second field goal but badly shanked his kick.
Best Player
David Fifita.
After a lacklustre 2022, Fifita returned to his brilliant best and was subsequently recalled to Queensland’s successful State of Origin side. Fifita posted career best numbers in average running metres (145), tackles (27) and crossed over for eight tries. His aggression and speed were back and he seemed determined with the ball in hand. It was a far cry from what we saw in 2022.
Early 2024 Prediction
7th.
This roster is talented enough to play finals and with Hasler at the helm, expect the mistakes to be eradicated in 2024. Sam Verrills will return after an injury affected year as well as Beau Fermor who missed the entire season with an ACL injury. Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has committed long term to the club and the Titans have unearthed some gems in Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Jayden Campbell is the X-factor other teams would kill for.
Grade: D