Our Journalists

Dean “Bulldog’” Ritchie has covered rugby league at The Daily Telegraph, and now CODE Sports as well, for 33 years. From the Super League war to NRL grand finals, State of Origin clashes and World Cups, Bulldog has written about the biggest issues in the game and broken many of the most important stories.

@BulldogRitchie

Dean Ritchie

Latest

NRL

Trainers banned, clubs fined over NRL ball-wetting controversy

The NRL has come down hard on two trainers at the centre of a ball-watering drama, handing out suspensions and fines in a bid to be a deterrent for repeat offences.

ExclusiveNRL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary of the Panthers hold aloft the Provan-Summons Trophy after winning the 2024 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium on October 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

For sale: $15m Penrith Stadium naming rights bidding war begins

Naming rights for the $300 million new Penrith Stadium are up for grabs, with the NSW government already in top-level talks with major retail brands to showcase the NRL’s four-peat premiers.

NRL

$90 billion NRL plan to help Bears’ WA takeover

Never before has the once-proud sporting state of WA endured such miserable failure, and now is the time for the NRL to bash down the door and finish the demolition job.

NRL

Watch: Cowboys trainer sprung in fresh ball tampering act

The Watergate saga continues to escalate in the fallout of the 30-all draw between Penrith and North Queensland, with fresh vision catching a Cowboys trainer deliberately wetting the football again. WATCH THE VISION

SuperCoach

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Harry Grant of the Storm looks on during the round four NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

NRL Early Mail: Storm’s Grant boost, Cowboys’ shock halves call

Harry Grant is set to be named in what is welcomed news for Melbourne and Queensland, but the star No.9 isn’t guaranteed to play yet. Plus, a surprise halves call at the Cowboys involving a teenage sensation.

ExclusiveNRL

Watch: Ball tampering twist as Cowboys trainer sprung by ref

Vision of a Cowboys trainer allegedly wetting the ball was picked up by the ground cameras and the on-field referee in a damning postscript to the Panthers furore. WATCH THE FOOTAGE

NRL

Watch: Panthers trainer sprung using controversial tactic

Vision has emerged of Penrith trainer Shane Elford deliberately wetting the ball in an attempt to give his side an unfair advantage in golden point against the Cowboys. WATCH THE VIDEO

VideoNRL

Watch: Tears ‘Flo’ as Bears officially return to the NRL

North Sydney’s greatest servant was reduced to tears as long-suffering Bears fans broke into a wave of euphoria after the foundation club was formally returned to top-flight rugby league.

NRL

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is pictured during the round five NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, on April 03, 2025, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Stuart issues brutal warning to high-flying Raiders

Ricky Stuart isn’t afraid to dish out a good spray of his playing group, not just for losses either, with the coach issuing a brutal dressing room warning to his team after their Magic Round victory.

NRL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Dominic Young of the Roosters reacts after losing the round seven NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium, on April 19, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Revealed: Roosters’ $250k bill to deliver Dom Young to Knights

Dominic Young could be playing for Newcastle an early as next week — and the Roosters are set to pay a hefty price for the star winger’s departure.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/dean-ritchie/page/3