The Bulldogs are the only undefeated team in the NRL and are in pole position for the minor premiership. Whilst the season is still only just getting underway, every other team has tasted defeat, but the Bulldogs have continued to impress defeating the Dragons, Titans, Eels and Sharks. Their most recent victory over the Sharks on Saturday night was a real statement of intent and they are now the league leaders setting the standard for the chasing pack to follow. Here’s the players that have stood out in the first four rounds for the Bulldogs who have turned them into genuine premiership contenders.

Toby Sexton

Toby Sexton has been absolutely crucial to the Bulldogs success so far in 2025. He has always been a young player with potential and it seems that he is finally capitalising on the trust t that Cameron Ciraldo has shown in him. Even in the preseason the Bulldogs were being linked with halfbacks and their was a general feeling that if they could secure the likes of Ben Hunt, then they position themselves as premiership contenders. Sexton’s form so far has embarrassed those fans and pundits who didn’t believe he was able to elevate the Bulldogs up the ladder and he deserves all the plaudits he is receiving now. Most notably his kicking game has gone to a new level. Sexton has already earned his side 5 forced drop outs and is averaging over 500 kick meters per game. Toby Sexton has quickly gone from the supposed weak link in the Bulldogs rebuild, to one of their most essential players.

Bronson Xerri

Having turned heads in his debut season at the Sharks in 2019, Xerri quickly entered rugby league obscurity after receiving a four year suspension. His return to the top grade with the Bulldogs in 2024 was met with scepticism but he is proving to be every bit the player we saw when he emerged nearly five years ago. At the Bulldogs he has locked down one of the centre positions and been in elite try scoring form, crossing the line 10 times in 19 appearances for the club. He’s also averaging over 150 meters gained and is a proven tackle breaker. With Stephen Crichton partnering Xerri in the centres, they are equipped with genuine strike weapons on either side of the ruck. Although he is 24 years old, Xerri still have plenty of growth left in him and his best footy is still yet to come.

Jacob Preston

Jacob Preston has been excelling in the effort areas and undervalued parts of the game ever since he debuted in the NRL. He has often gone unnoticed, making his tackles, taking the tough hit ups and being well disciplined. But in 2025 we are seeing and an even better version of Jacob Preston that has got people calling for him to play for the NSW Blues in State of Origin this year. So far he has already scored two tries in four games, is consistently making 30+ tackles every game and has only missed a handful. The big minute forward has stood up in the absence of Villiame Kikau as the Bulldogs dominant second rower. He has proven to be one of the Bulldogs most consistent performers and never shies away from a physical battle with the opposing team’s forward pack. If he keeps playing at the level he is there’s a good chance he will get an opportunity at a representative level this season and he will be a key reason why the Bulldogs have a successful 2025.