BREAKING: The Canterbury Bulldogs face a critical setback just days before the NRL finals, suffering a 24-6 loss to the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium on Saturday evening. Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo revealed that key players Bronson Xerri and Marcelo Montoya will miss the upcoming qualifying final against the Melbourne Storm, intensifying the urgency for the Bulldogs as they prepare for postseason play.
In a devastating turn of events, Xerri sustained a concussion, while Montoya was seen leaving the stadium on crutches due to an ankle injury. This double blow comes at a crucial time, just before Friday night’s showdown at AAMI Park. The Bulldogs, who once dominated the season, have only managed one win in their last four games, raising concerns about their form heading into the finals.
Ciraldo attempted to alleviate concerns, insisting that the team’s late-season struggles will not impact their performance in the finals. “It’s a totally different game once you get to finals,” he stated. “We weren’t anywhere near our best tonight, but I am glad we can move on to the next stage of the competition.”
Despite the Bulldogs’ lackluster performance, Cronulla showcased their readiness for the finals, dominating play with a near-perfect execution rate of 95 percent. With the elimination final against the Sydney Roosters looming, the Sharks are in prime form, winning seven of their last eight games. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon praised his team for their focus and performance, stating, “It was a good hit out, that’s for sure.”
The Sharks’ attack was led by halfback Nicho Hynes, who was instrumental in scoring the first try of the match. They capitalized on the Bulldogs’ defensive lapses, exploiting weaknesses on Canterbury’s left side. The Sharks are now poised for a pivotal matchup next week, while the Bulldogs must regroup quickly.
As the finals approach, all eyes will be on the Bulldogs to see if they can overcome these injuries and regain their momentum. Will they rise to the occasion or continue to falter? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this dramatic turn of events will unfold in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
