Report: NSW Cup Round 25 vs Bulldogs

While the Magpies were the first to get themselves on the scoresheet, the Bulldogs ultimately proved too strong, running away with the two competition points.

The Magpies struck first through highly rated 18-year-old Heamasi Makasini, who displayed strength and speed to score with one of his first touches of the afternoon.

The talented outside back showed his class throughout the match and earned BarTV’s Player of the Match honours despite the defeat.

Canterbury responded quickly, with Jack Todd muscling his way over before Logan Spinks and Cassius Tia began to punish the Magpies’ right-edge defence.

Three tries in the space of ten minutes saw the Bulldogs surge to an 18-6 half-time lead.

After falling well behind after the break, Wests found a spark when prop Kit Laulilii stormed through for a powerful try, reducing the margin.

Later in the half, Charlie Staines showcased his trademark pace when he picked up a loose ball to run 70 metres in a late highlight for the home fans.

But the Bulldogs dominated possession and field position for much of the second half, with tries to Jonathan Sua, Jethro Rinakama and Lipoi Hopoi sealing a decisive 40-18 victory.

Bulldogs 40 (Rinakama 2, Sua, Hopoi, Todd, Spinks, Tia; Sexton 6/7 goals) defeated Magpies 18 (Makasini, K. Laulilii, Staines tries; Falls 3/3 goals) at Lidcombe Oval.