The NRL finals haven’t even started yet, but the Bulldogs players and their partners are already in full celebration mode.
The Doggies have not won a finals match since 2015 but there is renewed hope this season will change that and erase a decade of pain.
The full rebuild under the guidance of footy supremo Phil Gould saw the club return to NRL finals in 2024 and rise even higher this season, finishing third on the ladder and earning a double chance at glory.
So you could forgive the players for being extra happy at this year’s annual awards at White Bay Cruise Terminal in Balmain.
The big award, the Dr George Peponis Medal for the player of the year, went to captain Stephen Crichton.
‘You always want to be recognised especially by your own teammates, and you want to be the guy that players want to play for,’ he said.
The awards were held at the glamour White Bay Cruise Terminal ahead of the NRL finals starting this weekend
Josh Curran celebrates taking out the community award for the club after the event in Balmain
Hard-running forward Viliame Kikau and his long-term partner Brittany let their hair down following the awards
‘I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent both the club and the boys as well.
‘There’s a lot that goes into a whole season and to be recognised for that as well is very special.
‘The only thing to tick off now is a Grand Final.’
Bulldogs members voted Connor Tracey as their Carroll & O’Dea Members NRL Player of the Year.
The 28-year-old fullback impressed with consistency, scoring four tries, setting up ten, and averaging 199 metres per game.
His standout came in Round 21 against Manly, running 307 metres and setting up a try in a dominant 42-4 win.
Teenager Jethro Rinakama capped a breakout year by winning the 2025 Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year Award.
He debuted in Round 19, scoring on debut against the Cowboys before sealing victory with a match-winner against the Dragons a week later.
Bronson Xerri and Jacob Kiraz share a laugh with spirits raised at the club ahead of the NRL finals
Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, pictured with his wife Leone, was named the club’s best at the annual awards
In just four games, Rinakama scored three tries and re-signed with the club until 2027.
‘It’s obviously a massive privilege,’ Rinakama said.
‘I was happy to just make my debut but to get Rookie of the Year, I’m really grateful for the coaching staff and my family as well.’
Max King claimed the 2025 NRL Coaches Award after a dominant season leading the Bulldogs’ forward pack.
He played 21 matches, averaging 135 metres and 33 tackles per game with standout efforts against the Rabbitohs and Raiders.
King also made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales, featuring in all three games of the series.
‘We have a great squad so to be on the stage collecting any award is a massive honour,’ King said.
‘The words Ciro [Cameron Ciraldo] spoke about how we came together as a team and for him to mention my contribution was awesome to hear and to see first-hand how far we’ve come.
Departing players including Toby Sexton, pictured with his date Kaitlin McDermott, were also honoured at the awards
Blake Taaffe and Jaeman Salmon were in high spirits at the awards, along with all their teammates
‘To be part of that, I feel blessed, and to be recognised, even more so.’
‘I’m very grateful. It’s a privilege and something I hold close to my heart,’ Curran said.
‘Trying to help guide the next generation is something I’m passionate about, and if I work with 50 kids and help five of them break the chain, they can then guide the next generation going forward.’
Josh Curran took out the club’s 2025 NRL Community Award.
Hooker Reed Mahoney [Cowboys], halfback Toby Sexton [Catalans Dragons] and Kurtis Morrin [Titans] were also thanked for their services as they move on to new clubs.
The Bulldogs will play the Melbourne Storm for a place in a preliminary final at AAMI Park on Friday night in their qualifying final.
In their last clash with the Bulldogs, in round 25 last month, the Storm let a 12-point halftime lead slip and were lucky to escape with a 20-14 victory with the visitors denied at the bell.
