Luke enjoyed a stellar season in 09 after returning from a potential career ending back injury which required major surgery in mid 08. As a self-described’ footy head’ Luke is always across every issue in the game.

One of the most under-rated players in the NRL, Luke Patten turns up each week and does his job at the back of the pack.

Patten was awarded the Bulldogs Player of the Year two years in succession in season 2006 and 2007 after his dominant and consistent displays at the back.

He played 13 games for Illawarra in 1998 as a fullback and in 1999 he joined St George Illawarra to play 43 games between 1999-2000, including the Grand Final against Melbourne in 1999.

In season 2001, Luke joined the Bulldogs to be the regular fullback for the next six seasons. He played every game in 2001, including the Semi-Final against Cronulla, scoring eight tries in his debut season at the club.

In 2002, he played every game once again and also played for Country Origin. Luke played for Country Origin in 2002 and 2004.

In season 2003, his sequence of consecutive games was interrupted at 53 games, however he did play in the Preliminary Final loss against the Roosters.

In 2004, he played in every game, including the Premiership winning game against the Roosters before his sequence of consecutive games was interrupted again, this time at 63 games in 2005.

In 2004, Luke was nominated for the Berries to Bulldogs 70 Year Team of Champions.

He was one of just three Bulldogs to feature in all 26 games in season 2006 (2073 minutes) and in those appearances he missed just 10 minutes of football after being sin-binned against South Sydney in Round 6. Only Hazem El Masri had more game time with 2083 minutes.

In season 2006, the speedy number one dove over for 10 tries while he managed to produce the most hitups and metres gained for the 'Dogs with a total of 411 and 3,622 respectively as he received the Player of the Year award.

Since becoming a Bulldog, the 28-year-old has played 170 first grade games, missing just 13 matches in his seven years at the club. Eight of those absences were at the back end of season 2005 after he suffered an ankle injury against the Warriors in Round 18.

In 2007, Patten missed two games due to a shoulder injury but still managed to produce the most metres gained for the Bulldogs with a total of 3,341 metres. He was second to Sonny Bill Williams in the hitup count with 281 compared to Williams 318 but was a clear first in the dummy-half runs count with 101.

Patten played a total of 1,906 minutes, scoring eight tries, setting up five for his team mates and a total of 12 line breaks in an effort which saw him awarded the Player of the Year for the second year running.

Luke has had post-season shoulder surgery and is likely to return for the trial matches.

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My earliest memory is.... Being very active and playing lots of footy

Favourite player growing up.... Brett Mullins, David Peachey

My most treasured possession/s.... My grand Final ring or my iPhone

In the movie of my life I’d be played by.... Christian Bale

My last meal would be.... Crust Pizza

My signature dish is.... anything on the BBQ

3 people I’d invite to dinner would be.... 50 cent, Ricky Gervais & Sarah Murdoch

I relax by.... gardening, playing xbox, reading or going to the beach

Before a game I.... am relaxed, like to stay fairly active and rarely sleep on game day

What I don’t find amusing is.... cruelty to animals

Hardest thing I’ve ever done was... put my childhood dog down

My greatest fear is.....failure