What Is 2013 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were an Australian professional rugby league team competing in the NRL, finishing the regular season in 4th place with a 15–9 win-loss record before being eliminated in the preliminary finals.

Key Facts

Finished 4th in the 2013 NRL regular season with a 15–9 win-loss record
Coached by Des Hasler, who led the team from 2012 to 2019
Played home games at ANZ Stadium and Belmore Sports Ground
Lost the 2013 preliminary final to the Sydney Roosters 28–12
Josh Morris scored 19 tries, leading the team for the season

Overview

The 2013 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs competed in the National Rugby League (NRL) Telstra Premiership as one of 16 teams. Under the leadership of head coach Des Hasler, the Bulldogs delivered a strong regular season performance, securing a top-four finish and a spot in the finals series.

The team was known for its disciplined defense and structured attack, hallmarks of Hasler’s coaching philosophy. Despite high hopes, their premiership campaign ended in the preliminary final, falling short of a Grand Final appearance.

Regular season record: The Bulldogs won 15 of 24 matches, finishing fourth on the ladder and earning a double chance in the finals.
Head coach:Des Hasler entered his second season in charge, emphasizing defensive organization and set plays.
Home grounds: The team split home games between ANZ Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park and Belmore Sports Ground, their traditional home.
Top point-scorer:Josh Morris led the team with 19 tries and 80 total points during the regular season.
Finals result: They defeated the Canberra Raiders in the first week of finals but lost 28–12 to the eventual champions, the Sydney Roosters, in the preliminary final.

Season Performance and Structure

The 2013 campaign was marked by consistency and resilience, with the Bulldogs overcoming mid-season injuries and competition pressure to remain in contention for the premiership. Their structured gameplay and strong forward pack enabled them to compete with the league’s elite teams.

Defensive record: The Bulldogs conceded an average of 16.8 points per game, ranking among the top five defensively.
Key players:Josh Jackson and James Graham provided leadership in the forwards, with Graham playing all 25 matches.
Halfback role:Canterbury used three primary halfbacks—Josh Reynolds, Sam Perrett, and Ben Roberts—due to injuries and tactical shifts.
Membership: The club reported over 18,000 members in 2013, reflecting strong community support despite financial challenges.
Salary cap issues: The club was under scrutiny in later years for minor breaches, though no penalties were applied for the 2013 season.
Junior development: The Bulldogs’ NSW Cup reserve team finished fifth, feeding talent into the NRL squad.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 Bulldogs compared to other top teams in the NRL that season:

Team	Wins	Losses	Points For	Points Against	Finals Result
Sydney Roosters	16	8	588	377	Champions
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles	14	10	558	450	Preliminary Final
South Sydney Rabbitohs	14	10	569	447	Semifinal
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs	15	9	525	405	Preliminary Final
Canberra Raiders	12	12	486	488	First Final

The Bulldogs ranked highly in defensive efficiency and win percentage, but the Roosters' superior points differential and consistency in finals proved decisive. Their loss in the preliminary final ended a season that showed promise but fell just short of the ultimate goal.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal chapter in the Bulldogs' modern era, reflecting both their competitive strength and organizational challenges. It underscored the team’s ability to remain a finals contender despite financial constraints and evolving league dynamics.

Foundation for future success: The 2013 squad laid groundwork for consistent finals appearances in the following years under Hasler.
Player development: Young talents like Josh Morris and Rene Crawley gained critical experience.
Community engagement: The club maintained strong ties with the Canterbury region, a key part of its identity.
Coaching legacy: Des Hasler’s structured system influenced future NRL coaching strategies.
Financial context: The season occurred amid later-revealed salary cap scrutiny, highlighting broader league compliance issues.
Fan base resilience: Despite not winning a title, membership and attendance remained stable, showing enduring support.

The 2013 Bulldogs season remains a testament to disciplined, team-oriented rugby league—a campaign of near misses and strong performances that resonated with fans and analysts alike.