NRL 2024: Strengths and weaknesses of Canterbury Bulldogs’ forward pack

The Bulldogs know they’re not the biggest pack, but they plan on being the hungriest in 2024. This is how Canterbury’s forward plan fight their way back into finals contention.

They’re not the biggest or most experienced, but none of that matters if you’re the hungriest.

The Bulldogs are counting on it in 2024.

Fresh talent has flooded into the club this season and while the team itself is yet to discover an identity under coach Cameron Ciraldo, the forward pack is particularly crucial.

An aggressive pack is the hallmark of any successful Canterbury team.

“We’re not the biggest pack, but we have to be the hungriest. We want to be the hardest working pack and that’s our goal. We’re going to be aggressive,” says prop Liam Knight, in the midst of his first pre-season with the club.

Knight, 29, joined from South Sydney at the end of last season but is one of a handful of

new, versatile recruits added to the roster to refresh the team for 2024.

Kurt Mann (Newcastle), Josh Curran (Warriors) and Jake Turpin (Roosters) have all been added to the squad that lost Tevita Pangai Junior (retirement), Corey Waddell (Manly) and Luke Thompson (Wigan) - three big bodies replaced with smaller forwards.

Despite their size, the Bulldogs were bullied around the field last year and no forward averaged more than 100 metres per game across the season.

Canterbury's Liam Knight says the Dogs pack is ready for war. NRL Imagery

The change in the types of forwards Ciraldo has recruits this year is a nod to the style of football he wants to play to turn around a string of poor finishes.

“Kiks (Kikau) is the leader, what he’s achieved in the game and who he is in stature, but the thing about our identity, is we’re creating it now,” Knight says.

“We’re a new pack, we’re from all over the place so we have to create it.

“I’m one of the oldest, so my role now and what I want to focus on is being a leader and setting an example and put my best foot forward at training every day, and help those young guys coming through. We have a very young team, so I want to be of value to them.

“Josh (Curran) is a skilful player.

“I’ve always thought he was a talented player, but he’s come in, guns blazing and never back down attitude.

“We’re not the biggest pack but we’ll have a really good crack.”

Knight knows a thing or two about resilience.

Canterbury's Liam Knight on the charge for the Bulldogs. NRL Imagery

This year is another chance at a fresh start after being told he was surplus to requirements at the Rabbitohs for this season after five years at the club.

“I want to be a part of a team taking the Bulldogs back to the finals and I want to play an integral role in that,” he says.

The 29-year-old has spoken openly about his battle with alcohol and prescription drug addiction in the past, as well as the journey to becoming sober and earning another chance in the NRL.

Now that he has a fresh opportunity ahead of him at the Bulldogs he wants to make the most of it.

“I want to play games of footy,” he says.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for me, so for me it’s about getting the opportunity to get myself back in the game and be a part of a team that’s going well, and bring some fun and love back to the fans who have been so loyal.

“The passion of the fans is immense.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Strengths and weaknesses of Canterbury Bulldogs’ forward pack