The Canterbury Bulldogs may be sitting 13th on the NRL ladder, but their reserve-grade side has shown that there is plenty to be optimistic about for the future.

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In the side’s best performance of the season, the Bulldogs ran riot against the Parramatta Eels, producing a clinical attacking display with several young guns getting in on the action.

Crossing for 11 tries in a dominant 60-4 victory, the result provided a glimpse into what the club’s future could look like if the prospects are able to continue on their current trajectory.

Alex Conti continued to shine with the halfback scoring two tries to go with four line-breaks, two try assists and 416 kicking metres.

Alex Conti.Source: News Corp Australia

Capable of playing a variety of positions if needed, he also led the run metres count with 183 and pressed his case to potentially be the long-term No.7 that the club is looking for.

The former junior Tigers captain wasn’t the only standout of the contest, with Australian Schoolboy Logan Spinks and Nick O’Meley, the son of club legend Mark, also among the Bulldogs’ best.

Spinks’ work rate is undeniable on both ends of the field, and he finished with two tries, one line-break, 72 metres and 19 tackles.

Meanwhile, O’Meley was unstoppable in the outside backs.

Arriving at the club in the off-season after a stint in the QLD Cup, he bagged four tries to go with 176 running metres.

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LUCIANO SHINES AFTER AXING

Fighting for his future, Luciano Leilua pleaded with interim Dragons coach Dean Young last week to be dropped down to NSW Cup in an attempt to get more minutes under his belt.

And his response on the field couldn’t have been more emphatic.

Despite losing to the Newtown Jets by eight points, Leilua was among the best performers on the field and registered 80 minutes after several weeks of being used in limited minutes off the bench in first-grade.

Playing on the edge, the former Samoan international had 199 running metres off 18 carries, 19 tackles, one line-break, one line-break assist, and even managed to cross over the line for a try.

While he wasn’t able to guide the Red V to victory, he showed that he remains an NRL-calibre player and is bound to attract plenty of interest in the coming months as he remains uncontracted for next season.

Meanwhile, former Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Eels and Warriors centre Morgan Harper enjoyed a dream debut for the Jets, bagging a double in his first appearances of the season.

Luciano LeiluaSource: Supplied

DOLPHINS DUO RUN RIOT

The duo of Brian Pouniu and Trai Fuller couldn’t have had a better weekend in the QLD Cup as they steered the Redcliffe Dolphins to a 52-20 win against the Western Clydesdales, who are coached by brothers Ben and Shane Walker.

Inking a contract extension earlier in the week, which will keep him at the Dolphins until the end of 2027, the fan-favourite Fuller was unstoppable while playing at the back.

Not only did he score two tries, but he ripped apart the opposing defensive line with three try assists, three line-break assists and two line-breaks of his own.

Earning an NRL recall for this week’s match against the Sydney Roosters, he will look to continue his standout form.

With Fuller dominating in the backs, Pouniu led by example in the forward pack.

Still only at the very early stages of his professional career, the star prospect had 164 running metres, three line-breaks and two tries on the edge.

And just like his teammate Fuller, the rookie has earned an NRL recall to the six-man bench for this week’s match against the Tricolours.

Brian Pouniu.Source: News Corp Australia

DOGS REJECT BAGS FOUR TRIES

Formerly a member of the Bulldogs NRL squad, outside back Jordi Mazzone had his best match to date for the South Sydney Rabbitohs since making the move to them in the off-season.

Once touted for big things at the Bulldogs, he unfortunately wasn’t able to kick on and struggled to cement a regular spot in the side, which saw him overlooked in favour of other options coming through the club’s ranks.

Seeking a fresh start and more opportunities, he made the switch to the Cardinal and Myrtle ahead of the 2026 season.

And his latest performance suggests the move is starting to pay dividends, as he scored four tries against the Manly Sea Eagles over the weekend.

Meanwhile, former Bulldogs and Cronulla Sharks front-rower FranklinPele was also at his best during the clash and scored two tries coming off the interchange bench.

Jordi Mazzone.Source: News Corp Australia