**Bulldogs’ Almighty Comeback Seals Eighth Win Of The Season: ‘Absolutely Stunned’**
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs delivered one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory, storming home to defeat the Canberra Raiders 30-24 in a thrilling encounter that left fans and pundits alike in disbelief. Trailing by 18 points early in the second half, the Bulldogs flipped the script in stunning fashion, securing their eighth win of the 2025 NRL season and marking a significant milestone — their first victory in Canberra since 1994.
The Raiders dominated the opening exchanges, running in four tries to take a commanding 24-6 lead. With momentum heavily in Canberra’s favour, it appeared the Bulldogs were destined for a long afternoon in the nation’s capital. But the tide turned dramatically after halftime, as the Bulldogs unleashed a blistering five-try blitz, fuelled by aggressive defence, clever kicking, and an unrelenting attacking edge.
Head coach Cameron Ciraldo lauded his side’s grit and composure. “Absolutely stunned by the heart shown today,” he said post-match. “To turn around a deficit like that, especially in a venue where we haven’t won in 31 years, is something special.”
Key to the Bulldogs’ resurgence was young fullback Stephen Crichton, whose leadership and line-breaking runs galvanized the team. His two tries in the second half, combined with a perfect kicking display from Matt Burton, were pivotal in the comeback effort. Jacob Kiraz and Josh Addo-Carr also crossed the line, as the Dogs ran riot through a shell-shocked Raiders defence.
The result stunned the GIO Stadium crowd and further entrenched the Bulldogs in the top-eight conversation. It also extended their winning streak to four games — their best run in nearly a decade.
Former players and commentators hailed the effort as “sensational” and “one for the ages,” with many pointing to the cultural shift taking hold under Ciraldo’s leadership. The club’s resilience, once a missing ingredient, was on full display as they chased down a near-insurmountable lead.
For Bulldogs fans, the victory not only snapped a 31-year Canberra drought but also offered a glimpse of a side ready to shake off years of mediocrity. With belief surging and momentum on their side, the Bulldogs now look every bit the finals contender many had hoped for.
Could this be the year the Dogs finally return to NRL relevance?
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