The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have continued their dream run in the 2025 NRL season, shutting out the Newcastle Knights 20-0 in a dominant performance that sees them stay atop the league ladder with five wins from five. It marks the club’s best start to a season in 32 years, not seen since their title-contending campaign back in 1993.
The clash at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday evening was billed as a stern test for the resurgent Bulldogs, but they handled it with poise and grit, delivering a complete performance on both sides of the ball. The victory was spearheaded by a relentless defensive effort, which prevented the Knights from registering a single point — a rare feat in today’s high-scoring NRL era.
Kurt Mann, playing in his 200th NRL game, was one of several standout performers for the Bulldogs. The veteran utility offered control and creativity from the middle, setting the tone early with sharp distribution and unwavering leadership. His milestone moment was marked with an emotionally charged haka by his teammates post-match — a testament to the cultural heartbeat driving the team’s unity this season.
Jacob Preston and Josh Addo-Carr were also instrumental in the Bulldogs’ success, with Preston bagging a crucial try and Addo-Carr continuing to menace on the flanks. The team’s execution in the final third was clinical, making the most of their possession and capitalising on Newcastle’s errors.
For the Knights, the night was one to forget. Their attack lacked cohesion and spark, and the absence of key players due to injury showed. Despite some valiant efforts from Kalyn Ponga and Tyson Frizell, they were outmuscled and outclassed by a Bulldogs side brimming with confidence.
Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo praised his players’ hunger and commitment after the game. “We’ve been building this for a while, and to see the boys go out there and deliver such a professional performance was really satisfying,” he said. “Five from five is great, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves — the season is long.”
With this victory, the Bulldogs not only remain undefeated but also send a strong message to the rest of the competition: the Doggies are back and serious about making a run for silverware in 2025.
They’ll look to extend their winning streak next week when they host the South Sydney Rabbitohs, while the Knights will aim to regroup quickly before their showdown with the North Queensland Cowboys.
