Bulldogs burst into top eight despite gutsy display from injury-hit Storm
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs defeated the Melbourne Storm 36-22, securing a spot in the NRL top eight. Despite the Storm being heavily impacted by injuries, the Bulldogs dominated the second half to claim their sixth win in seven games.
Why it matters
The result significantly shifts the NRL ladder standings, highlighting the Bulldogs' resurgence and the impact of player availability on team performance.
Pinned post from yesterday 10.42pm Go to latest Bulldogs burst into top eight despite gutsy Storm performance By Dave Lyall Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has scored two late tries to seal a 36-22 win over a brave and seriously undermanned Melbourne in an entertaining clash at AAMI Park.
The Storm threatened a famous victory for almost an hour before the surging Bulldogs stamped their authority on Friday night’s game, moving into the top eight for the first time since round six with a sixth win in their last seven games.
While the Bulldogs scored seven tries to four, the Storm were valiant in defeat.
Already without Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Jack Howarth, they suffered another crushing blow pre-game with Jahrome Hughes a late withdrawal due to hamstring soreness.
That pushed 19-year-old star-in-waiting Hayden Watson into his NRL debut after just seven NSW Cup appearances.
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