Is the Bulldogs' season already over?

It was only a month ago when the Bulldogs did what no other team has been able to do in 2026: defeat the Penrith Panthers.

But since then, Cameron Ciraldo’s men have been unable to secure any premiership points in their last four games.

And now, Chad Townsend has grave concerns about the Bulldogs returning to finals football.

Following their 44-12 loss to the Dolphins on Thursday night, the side is now 3-6 and has slid to 13th on the ladder with their attacking woes still at the fore.

While sides like the Panthers last year have come back from a similar record, having finished 7th after being 3-1-7 after Round 12, the 2016 Premiership doesn’t believe the Bulldogs will be able to repeat their feats.  

“Their record after 10 rounds (is) three and six with one bye,” Townsend explained on SEN’s Kick Off.

“Now, what happened last year at the back end of the season, the Dolphins finished (with a record of) 12 and 12, they finished 9th.

“The Roosters finished 13 (wins) and 11. They finished 8th.

 “So, to get into the eight, you need 13 (wins). You need to be 13 and 11 (and) you'd probably jag 8th spot.

“12 and 12, we may see, I don't know, a shootout between for and against.

“So, they'll have 15 games left in the season.

“Now the Dogs, they'll need to win (at least) 10, minimum of their last (15).

“So, you can almost say that their season's done, right?”

The Bulldogs will kick off Magic Round next week against the Sharks.

Kick-off takes place next Friday from 6pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match from 5pm.