BULLDOGS RETURN TO TOP TIER AS CRL WHITEHEAD PLUMBING & GAS MEN’S PREMIERSHIP EXPANDS TO SEVEN TEAMS
The CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership will expand to a seven-team competition in 2025, following confirmation of Northern Bulldogs’ return to Canterbury Rugby League’s top tier after a one-season absence.
As per Canterbury Rugby League requirements, the Bulldogs will also field a side in the CRL ISC Canterbury Cup – which also grows to seven teams in 2025 – after a concerted recruitment drive.
Northern surged to the Division One title in 2024 after taking a temporary step back from CRL’s elite level.
“We are delighted to be able to include Northern Bulldogs back into the 2025 CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership,” Canterbury Rugby League CEO Malcolm Humm says.
“Having been through a tough period over the past two years, CRL has witnessed a committed Northern Bulldogs Committee, determined to get back to where they want to be.”
Founded in 1964 as Kaiapoi, the club fielded a team in the premiership until 1989, and again from 2002 – reaching its first grand final in 2003, a 16-14 loss to Halswell.
The Bulldogs claimed a historic maiden title in 2007, defeating Linwood 28-14 in the grand final. After the hardships of rebuilding their clubrooms in the wake of the earthquakes, several strong campaigns culminated in another grand final appearance under Frank Endacott’s coaching in 2020 – a gallant 16-10 loss to the Keas.
Northern made the playoffs in 2021 and only missed out on for-and-against in 2022, but a drop-off in playing numbers resulted in a last-place finish in 2023 and the agonising call to pull out of the CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership and CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup last year.
But hard work behind the scenes has resulted in the Bulldogs bolstering their ranks sufficiently to enter sides in both competitions again in 2025, which will no doubt have Murphy Park humming again every second Saturday.
“The Bulldogs have a plan that is being implemented, whilst also having committed to connecting with their catchment area and the wider rugby league fraternity in an effort to retain existing, and secure new, players,” Humm continues.
“The club has also recruited well in the area of coaching and leadership.
“CRL’s aim has always been to get back to an eight-team men’s premiership and we see Northern’s return in 2025 as a significant step towards this goal.”
The Bulldogs will line up alongside Hornby Panthers, Halswell Hornets, Linwood Keas, Riccarton Knights, Eastern Eagles and Greymouth Greyhounds in the 2025 CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership and CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup.
The senior competitions get underway on March 29, with each team playing 14 regular-season matches. The 2025 CRL Grand Final Day is set down for August 10.
