The Canterbury Bulldogs have climbed their way back into NRL premiership contention.
After years of frustration, they now possess one of the most exciting young squads in the competition. But with expectation comes pressure.
To maintain their rise and stay among the NRL's elite in 2026, several key players will need to take the next step in their development.
From young playmakers to marquee signings, these are the five Bulldogs players whose individual improvement will be crucial to the club's success next season.
3. Matt Burton
Matt Burton will shape the Bulldogs' 2026 campaign as much as anyone. He's aiming to secure a starting jersey with the New South Wales Blues, and for that to happen, he needs to keep evolving as one of the competition's most dynamic five-eighths.
When Burton runs first and ball-plays second, his game reaches another level. Some argue he's better suited to the centres, but his impact as a five-eighth has been enormous. With Galvin and Mitchell Woods expected to take on more kicking responsibility, Burton can focus on what he does best.
Key areas of focus for Burton:
- Running the footy more to challenge defences
- Increasing variation in his attacking kicks
- Linking up with Bronson Xerri and Viliame Kikau on the left edge
- Adjusting his attacking shapes to suit Marcelo Montoya's aerial strengths
- Reducing his kicking workload to free up his running and defensive impact
The famous “Burton bomb” has become more of a tactical fallback than a first-choice weapon, reflecting Canterbury's growing focus on field position and control. If Burton fires, the Bulldogs can beat anyone in the competition.
