Bulldogs Paint Vegas Blue While Broncos Eye History

Rugby League Insider’s second episode marked the on-air debut of Darcie McDonald, the Bulldogs’ media manager, fresh from a Las Vegas trip she won’t soon forget. She joins as co-host for the season, bringing energy and first-hand access to the stories behind the headlines.

Hoops' reveals new details on Storm's Lomax bid

As ever, James Hooper led with breaking news, lifting the lid on Zac Lomax’s blocked move to Melbourne. Hooper revealed Craig Bellamy personally phoned out-of-favour Eels forward Ryan Matterson twice in an effort to salvage the deal - calls which ultimately proved decisive in sinking it.

Read the full article HERE.

Vegas: Bulldogs paint the town blue

McDonald quickly stole the spotlight with behind-the-scenes tales from the Bulldogs’ Vegas campaign. She described fans “planting the flag” across the city, with blue and white flooding Fremont Street. The team parade reached its crescendo when the Bulldogs’ bus rolled in last to chants of “Crichton! Crichton!”

Steven Crichton emerged sporting blue Oakley Meta glasses, filming the moment POV-style, before being mobbed “like Justin Bieber” along the red carpet. Max King broke into a Michael Jackson moonwalk, Sitili Tupouniua pulled out the 'dougie', and Crichton recreated the viral “open the gates” knees drop made famous by a Kiwi influencer.

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” McDonald admitted.

Pre-match festivities included a Mandalay Bay function and a marching band escort to Allegiant Stadium. Bulldogs fans erupted late when scores were level, with Bailey Hayward revving up teammates in the role of unofficial “25th man”. Crichton’s golden-point strike — the club’s first-choice kicker and already known for clutch Cowboys screamers — sealed it.

Yet the sheds provided their own theatre. Sam Hughes, typically the quiet enforcer, stunned teammates by donning a blue Elvis suit after a Westgate Hotel visit and belting out Viva Las Vegas. “It was the most hilarious I’ve seen him… he really came out of his shell,” McDonald laughed. Hooper praised Hughes’ “no-nonsense” edge, crediting it with earning Cameron Ciraldo’s trust.

Tactical talking points

Lachie Galvin impressed with nearly 100 touches, notably putting Jacob Preston through for the first try of the Bulldogs' season, and opting for family time over casinos at just 20 years old. However, his hybrid role alongside Matt Burton remains a work in progress. Hooper advocated for a more traditional structure: an old-school seven steering the side, with the six complementing as an X-factor — referencing classic combinations such as Langer and Walters, or Stuart and Daley. Neither half fully owned the late field-goal call.

Still, Ciraldo’s rebuild appears genuine. With a favourable draw - Sydney-based for the opening seven rounds aside from Vegas and Canberra - the Bulldogs look every bit a top-four contender.

Broncos eye history

No Brisbane side has gone back-to-back since Wayne Bennett’s 1992–93 vintage, but the panel believes this squad is primed. Their depth is unmatched.

“Why can’t they?” McDonald asked. “They’ve ended Penrith’s reign.”

Yet she cautioned against complacency - whether through injuries or over-reliance on Reece Walsh’s aura following last year’s grand final run. Adam Reynolds has instilled steel, ensuring they remain in the arm wrestle for the full 80 minutes. With three Queensland Cup feeder clubs bolstering the system, even part-time prospects are being unearthed. Payne Haas looks primed ahead of South Sydney, Ben Hunt offers Origin-calibre impact from the bench, and Ezra Mam continues to dazzle. Friday’s Panthers clash looms as a potential grand final preview - golden point would be fitting.

Pack of contenders

Many are tipping Parramatta to finish on the fringe of the eight. Josh Addo-Carr’s spark, Mitch Moses’ control and an underrated pack offer upside, though depth remains a concern.

The Dolphins shape as the competition’s bolter under Kristian Woolf: Tom Gilbert and Thomas Flegler anchor the middle, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow threatens out wide, and English enforcer Morgan Knowles adds steel at 13.

For the Roosters, top four is non-negotiable. “Anything less is failure,” McDonald said, pointing to the Daly Cherry-Evans – Sam Walker axis and the grunt of a solid forward pack. Meanwhile, the Warriors face an early examination of Andrew Webster’s Penrith-influenced systems, with Luke Metcalf sidelined until round seven — but belief in the “next man up” mentality remains strong.

Enjoying Fanatics' Clubhouse content? Subscribe to the Clubhouse Newsletter HERE.