Bulldogs players believe a gruelling pre-season army camp in which they were put pushed to their limits will help propel them to NRLW finals contenders.
“We pulled trucks up hills, ran 28 kilometres in a day and carried girls on our backs," Bulldogs co-captain Tayla Preston said. "We saw as a team that we were capable of anything."
Preston, who is now in her fifth NRLW season, said the camp was designed to build lasting foundations within the young squad ahead of their season opening clash with the Warriors in Hamilton.
The star halfback said that there was a big emphasis on “being comfortable with the uncomfortable”, as coaching staff and the leadership group were eager to challenge the squad’s discipline and set the standard for club values.
“Nothing can be as hard as that army camp," said Preston.
Seventy minutes of footy will feel like a breeze compared to what we endured.
“We learnt that we could count on our sisters, and that connection is so important.”
Despite falling short in their pre-season clash against the Eels, the confidence within the Bulldogs camp remained firmly positive.
“It was good to get a blowout before round one and get our combinations working,” Preston said. “Despite the score, there were so many positives to take out of it."
With coach Brayden Wiliame giving his whole extended squad a run, new recruits Daynah Nankivell and Tamika Jones gained valuable minutes and both have been named for their official NRLW debuts against the Warriors.
The Bulldogs officially launched their season last week in their heartland at Canterbury Leagues Club.
Preston and fellow co-captain Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa responded to recent commentary suggesting the 2026 season may be lopsided in favour of sides like the Broncos and Roosters.
“It’s outside noise,” Teakaraanga-Katoa told Channel Nine's Marlee Silva during an on-stage interview. “There is no better story than being the underdog”.
Preston added: “You don’t need the best team on paper; it’s about the connection".
Coming into their second year in the NRLW competition, the Bulldogs are fired up and determined to be in finals contention.
Building on their inaugural season, Preston is confident the side can improve on last year’s combinations, while their depth has been bolstered by the arrival of key cross-code athletes and representatives stars.
“We have fresh faces coming in, and they have really lifted the standards of our professionalism,” said Preston.
Jones, a former flanker with Western Force, is eager to begin her rugby league career, crediting the club’s support in helping her transition codes.
“We’ve had such a strong preseason and built a lot of connection within the team,” she said. “The girls and the club have made the transition really easy."
The 22-year-old Wallaroo brings valuable experience and will add a strong defensive presence to the back row.
“Moving into the same position I played in union has helped; I’ve been able to carry those skills across,” Jones said.
Drawing on six years of playing at the elite level in rugby union, Jones viewed the code switch as the next step in her career as the NRLW is recognised as the best female contact sporting competition in the world.
“I've seen how much the game has grown and the strength of the pathways for younger players; it’s cool to see,” Jones said.
Nankivell will join the side as a promising outside back after making the move from Japanese rugby union club, Yokohama TKM.
“I couldn’t believe it when the Bulldogs reached out,” said Nankivell.
The Bulldogs will kick off their NRLW campaign against the Warriors in Hamilton on Sunday, with both Jones and Nankivell NRLW debuts.
With a pre-season that’s already tested their limits, the Bulldogs head into 2026 ready to prove they belong among the NRLW’s best.
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
