NRL

Despite a season filled with injuries and inconsistency, the Bulldogs are back in the NRL Top 8 as the finals approach and skipper Stephen Crichton has declared his side ready to do ‘something special’.

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Speaking ahead of the Round 23 blockbuster clash with the high flying Sydney Roosters, Crichton admitted the Bulldogs didn’t start 2026 the way they’d hoped, but said the key to the dramatic late-season turnaround has been keeping the same energy despite the early losses.

“We’ve always had that confidence,” Crichton said.

“Also getting some of our big name players and back rowers back (Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston), that’s been a massive thing for us.”

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Another massive thing is the challenge that awaits the Bulldogs this Friday night in Round 23 as they take on the high-flying Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

“They’re a big pack, a power team, it’s going to be massive challenge,” Crichton admitted before saying the Bulldogs remain focused on getting their own process right regardless of who they’re playing.

‘It’s been a massive change’ admits Crichton on No.6 switch

Crichton was also asked about his switch to five-eighth since Round 17, with Matt Burton moving into the centres.

“It’s been a massive change from centre to five-eighth,” he said.

“Helping Lachy (Galvin) out and balancing the field, I still have a lot of things to improve on, especially defensively trying to chase excellence in that way, but I’m loving the transition into the halves.”

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Love or otherwise, the 25-year-old wouldn’t be drawn on whether the move will be permanent in the long-term.

“It’s working for us right now,” he smiled.

“But I haven’t really spoken to (Cameron Ciraldo) about the future… whatever I can do right now that works for the team is what I want to do, that’s all I’m focused on.”

Despite enjoying his time in the No.6 jersey this season Crichton also admitted he still misses his old job in the Bulldogs backline.

“Yeah, I miss playing centre,” he said.

“There’s a lot of different things that come with playing both positions, good things and bad things, but once I know what position I’m playing (each week) I’m all in.

“Whatever Ciro needs me to do, if that’s transition back into the centre I know what that looks like as well.”

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