Celebrating an unforgettable NRL debut in heroically kicking the game-winning conversion after the final siren for the Canterbury Bulldogs to defeat the Penrith Panthers, Kerrod Holland returns to the Bulldogs Intrust Super Premiership NSW side this week to take on the Manly Sea Eagles.
Named the the 2015 Centre Of The Year as part of the Newcastle Knights' historic premiership success, Holland’s much-publicised self-assurance could be the boost the Bulldogs need in a pivotal contest against Manly with both sides yet to taste victory this season.
“He’s (Holland) obviously full of confidence – he’s a confident kid,” Bulldogs coach Andy Patmore told NSWRL.com.au.
“He’s just unlucky. To have a great game like that and with Chase Stanley and a few others coming back, he’s unluckily back with us but that’s the way it is. He’ll certainly bring that confidence and that big smile, he’ll bring that back to us as well. Hopefully, it’ll be good for us.”
After their Round 1 draw with the Newtown Jets, Canterbury struggled in a 38-12 loss to the Illawarra Cutters last weekend.
“We weren’t good last week – we were pretty disappointing in parts of the game,” Patmore said. “The boys have decided they’re going to work a bit harder this week. Hopefully we’re a bit better prepared.”
Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles have stumbled in their season start with straight losses to Wests Tigers and a bitter 28-0 thumping against the Wentworthville Magpies. However, Patmore remains on guard after the Bulldogs dropped both of their games to Manly last season.
“On paper they’re very good,” Patmore said. “They’ve got some regular first-graders back there. It’s always tough, obviously with their first-grade squad having a couple of losses too, I’m sure a lot of their second-graders have something to prove – they’re obviously fighting for spots, so it will be tough.”
Tim Moltzen, Feleti Mateo, Luke Burgess and Darcy Lussick feature for a Manly side that the Bulldogs have to be prepared for.
“It’s certainly a cliché but we’ll certainly work hard on ourselves but we’ll have a good look at Manly,” Patmore said. “They’ve got some ball players, so we need to be really aware of their passing game.”
Manly v Canterbury: Hero Holland Returns For Crucial Bulldogs Clash
Belmore Oval, Saturday 19 March, 2:00pm
Listen LIVE via Steele Sports Radio at www.steelesports.com.au
