James Maloney, a former NRL premiership winner, has unleashed a scathing critique on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, accusing them of mismanaging their 2026 season. Maloney's comments come as the Bulldogs struggle to live up to their past glory, with a recent 14-12 victory over the injury-hit Parramatta Eels failing to impress.
Maloney's primary concern revolves around the team's attacking structure, which he believes is a significant issue. He highlights the Bulldogs' tendency to play sideways rather than through the middle, a strategy that he argues is no longer effective in modern rugby league. Maloney emphasizes the importance of direct play and the need to threaten the ruck, especially as the game's pace quickens.
The Bulldogs' attack has indeed taken a hit, with their points per game dropping from over 22 in 2025 to less than 18 in 2026. This decline is further evidenced by their inability to score 30 points or more in any game this season. Maloney suggests that the team's lack of punch through the middle is a critical factor in their underperformance.
Maloney's criticism extends to the team's choice of halfbacks. He believes that Lachlan Galvin, who has been playing out of position as a halfback, is more suited to the five-eighth or lock positions. Maloney's comments echo those of his former premiership-winning halves partner, Chad Townsend, who has called for a change in the spine of the team, suggesting that Sean O'Sullivan, currently on the bench, could be a better option.
Townsend's criticism of Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo's reluctance to make changes to the spine of the team is a significant point of contention. Maloney and Townsend both argue that the team's current structure is not working and that a different approach is needed to address the attacking deficiencies.
The Bulldogs have just two weeks to address these issues before they face a formidable Manly side in Round 16. Maloney's comments serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the club faces in their quest to regain their former glory, and they have sparked a much-needed discussion about the team's future direction.
