Are the Bulldogs the biggest disappointment of 2026?

SEN’s Chad Townsend believes the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are the biggest disappointment of the 2026 season.

The Bulldogs banked their fifth win of the season on Monday afternoon with an unconvincing 14-12 win over an injury depleted Parramatta Eels.

After back-to-back finals appearances which included a top four finish in 2025, the Bulldogs have failed to live up to expectation this season.

“The expectations for this team this season were high,” Townsend said on SEN 1170.

“Internally and externally, before a ball was kicked this year, the Dogs were Premiership contenders (and) it weighed heavily on them.

“They haven’t had the results and it’s getting to the point of the season where it’s must-win territory.

“The team is making mistakes, they are getting frustrated and looking at each other for answers.

“The fans are also getting frustrated because they are not meeting expectations.”

The Bulldogs attack has been heavily scrutinised this season as the Dogs have gone from averaging over 22 points per game in 2025 to under 18 points in 2026. The Bulldogs have only scored 30 points or more twice this season.

Coach Cameron Ciraldo has largely resisted wholesale changes to the side throughout the year but given their stuttering attack, Townsend declared changes must be made.

“I want to see what a different spine looks like just to have some different personnel,” Townsend added.

“They have Sean O’Sullivan on the bench who can do a job.

“I saw Alex Conti in the NSW Cup and he was outstanding.

“Ciraldo just doesn’t look like he’s prepared to make any tweaks to the spine.

“If you’re a Dogs fan, this is the way they seem to be going and think they can make a run with the personnel they have at the moment.

“Their attack is just so clunky.

“They keep going back to this structure that doesn’t appear to be working for them at the moment.”

The Bulldogs have the bye in Round 15 before hosting a red-hot Manly side in Round 16 at Accor Stadium.