Canterbury Bulldogs keep finals hopes alive with win over Dragons

The Canterbury Bulldogs kept their NRL finals aspirations alive with a 44-14 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium. Despite significant disruptions during the week, including five players testing positive for COVID-19, a player being hospitalized, and various injuries, the Bulldogs maintained a clinical performance. Matt Burton contributed a try-scoring double, while Lachlan Galvin recorded three points through a try and two assists.

The win places the ninth-placed Bulldogs two points behind South Sydney and North Queensland with two matches remaining in the regular season. To secure a top-eight spot, Canterbury must win their remaining games and rely on specific results from the Cowboys.

Off the field, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo addressed ongoing contract negotiations with back-rower Jacob Preston. Following media reports suggesting Preston was dissatisfied with a proposed contract offer, Ciraldo defended the player's character and the club's relationship with him, stating that the rumors were contrary to their daily internal communications.