Bulldogs chasing Wests Tigers prop for 2025 Premiership challenge

After an unexpectedly strong 2024 NRL season, Canterbury are starting to look ahead to 2025. Tigers’ Stefano Utoikamanu is reportedly a top target for the Bulldogs. The club thinks he can add size and make them genuine contenders.  

Bulldogs boss reveals interest

Like in any sport, the NRL is plenty prone to paper talk. However, this rumour is definitely a legit one. Bulldogs boss Cameron Ciraldo has confirmed that his side is interested in Utoikamanu.  
 
“I think we’re in a really good position as a club where we’ve got a lot of good kids coming through and we’ve also got space for potential guys to come in if they’re the right person and right fit for our club,” the former Italian national team player said.  
 
Ciraldo went on to confirm that Utoikamanu is one of the players Bulldogs have identified as being right for the club. He said Canterbury are “monitoring” the Tigers prop.  
 
“Stefano (Utoikamanu) is a really good player. He’s got a lot of potential and we’re monitoring that situation,” Ciraldo said, “If he’d like to come here then we’d welcome him with open arms.” 

Bulldogs planning for big 2025 

While Ciraldo talked up Utoikamanu to the press this week, the Italian was key to point out that his current Bulldogs side is already strong without him.  
 
“We’re really happy with the people that we’ve got here,” Ciraldo said before turning to next season.  
 
“We’ve added Sitili for next year and a lot of our guys are developing. No one is at their potential yet. 
 
“All our guys are still getting better every day, and every season they play they’ll get even better. If we do add a guy like Stefano then that’s great, but if not, I’m really happy with who we’ve got here.” 
 
The betting sites were not sure of what to expect from Bulldogs this season. Whatever the expectation, Canterbury have blown them away.  
 
The Bulldogs finished 15th last season. They could finish Round 21 this week in 5th. They are still outsiders to win the Premiership this season. PlayUp gives them $26.00 odds to win. However, next season could be a different story.  
 
Bulldogs are planning to make a big push before the start of next season.

The club expects their top young stars to take the next step and become real threats next season. The plan is to bring in more key players, such as Utoikamanu, so that the Bulldogs can be genuine contenders next season.