Queensland great Corey Parker has concerns the Bulldogs still lack the ‘X-factor’ of the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers in 2026 with question marks remaining over their attack. And his concerns come as the NRL are considering changing the rules to encourage more attacking opportunities.
The Bulldogs were one of the more formidable defensive units last year with coach Cameron Ciraldo improving their efforts across the park. Although their season was derailed in the NRL finals when they struggled to score points. Their attack lacked creativity at times with changes to the halves combination disrupting their flow. Lachlan Galvin came under scrutiny after stepping into the side, but stuttered towards the backend of the season.
Corey Parker has concerns the Bulldogs might lack the Reece Walsh or Nathan Cleary type of X-factor in 2026 if they are going to win the NRL premiership. (Images: Getty Images)
Matt Burton played five-eighth, but was also shifted to centre as the team lacked consistency. Connor Tracey and Bailey Hayward also made up the spine, but the team was bundled out having lost to the Melbourne Storm and then the Panthers in the finals.
The Bulldogs haven’t made any signings to their spine, although Galvin has enjoyed a full pre-season at the club. Young halfback Mitch Woods is also turning heads and the 19-year-old has been tipped to make his NRL debut at some point.
Ciraldo will be confident getting a full pre-season with his No.1, 6, 7 and 9 this year with Galvin and Hayward set to feature on a permanent basis. Despite the pre-season, Parker feels the Bulldogs may lack the creativity of the Broncos and Panthers to win the premiership.
While not ruling out the Bulldogs, Parker feels the Broncos benefited from Reece Walsh’s X-factor and he is wondering where it will come from in the blue and white. “Now, for me, can they win their comp? It’s a question mark… because definitely they can win the comp,” Parker said on SEN Radio.
“Absolutely they can win the comp on defence, but the way that the game is heading and the way it is at the moment, and if you listen to the proposed rules… (the NRL) only want to make it faster, which means you score more points. That was their downfall (in 2025)… their inability to score points.
“To win a comp… you need some x-factor. In your spine, so they got Bailey Hayward in the nine, they’ve got Burton, and Galvin is a terrific player, and then they’ve got Connor Tracey at fullback. I love everything that Connor Tracey brings.
“But when you go past the last five years, look at the Broncos, they won last year, x-factor was Reece Walsh. It was unbelievable. Then you go through the Panthers, and they’ve got x-factor right across the park. Can they win the comp? They could, I just have a bit of reservation over them. If they can increase scoring tries, they’ll absolutely give it a shake.”
Corey Parker praises Bulldogs defence
Parker feels the Bulldogs will cruise make the top eight on the back of their defence. The Broncos great feels the side should only get better having praises Ciraldo’s ability to improve their defence in just a short time as head coach of the club.
Unfortunately, Woods won’t take part in the NRL trial matches after injuring his hamstring in training. Phil Gould confirmed the news and said the 19-year-old will be rested ahead of the start of the season.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 12: Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo looks on before the round 15 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium on June 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
(Matt King via Getty Images)