Rookie Watch: Jayden Okunbor

Each year, a number of young rugby league talent look to make the step up from the U/20’s to full-time training and extended NRL squads over the summer in the hope of becoming a first grade player.

In 2017, nine players from the Bulldogs 2016 NYC side will look to take that step.

Local junior Jayden Okunbor will once again join the NRL squad over the summer for the 2017 pre-season, following on from his time with the squad in the lead up to the 2016 season.

Okunbor, who was schooled at Picnic Point High School has graduated through the ranks of the Bulldogs, including graduating from the club’s high performance youth program, before playing out his first full year as an under 20s player in season 2016.

The 19 year old outside back who tips the scales at 103kg and stands a whopping 196cm played 15 games for the NYC side in 2016 and scored four tries.

Joining the NRL squad once again will give Okunbor the opportunity to work alongside the likes of Will Hopoate, Josh Morris and Brett Morris, but also focus on his development as an elite rugby league player.

After a well-earned break, Okunbor will tackle one of the toughest pre-seasons to date when he returns in early November to begin preparations for season 2017.

ROOKIE WATCH - LACHLAN LEWIS

Away from the field, Okunbor works as a teacher’s aide and has completed his certificate three and four in education support, but it is something he will need to step back from over the pre-season with the knowledge that he will be able to pick back up when school recommences.

2017 Memberships are now on sale with no changes to 2016 pricing which allowed families to sign up for a full season of Bulldogs games for as little as $300.