Chase Stanley will play his first NRL game in 14 months this weekend following a long absence with a torn ACL.
Following two games in the club’s Intrust Super Premiership side, the 27-year old will wear the number four jersey for the Bulldogs against the St George Illawarra Dragons on Monday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.
The last time the former Kiwi International played NRL was in April of the 2016 season, celebrating his 100th first grade appearance in the Round five fixture against the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground.
Following a lay-off of 322 days after suffering a knee injury mid-way through last year that required a full reconstruction, the centre made his return to the football field two weeks ago in the club’s Intrust Super Premiership match with the Newtown Jets.
The Bulldogs managed a draw, but getting through 80 minutes of footy, kicking a few goals and running hard, was a win for Stanley.
Stanley backed up last weekend in the club’s 14-4 win over the Penrith Panthers and his comeback, follows an extensive rehabilitation program that saw the outside back visit the Victorian Institute of Sport for three days of testing on his knee.
The Bulldogs have also named Josh Reynolds in the five-eight position for the all-important clash with the third placed Dragons on Monday.
Reynolds has been sidelined for the past five weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in the club’s Round nine win over the Raiders and the inclusion of the energetic play maker is a huge boost for the club.
Don't miss our Queen's Birthday clash with the Dragons at ANZ Stadium!
TEAM:
1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Greg Eastwood 17. Matt Frawley 19. Francis Tualau 20. Kerrod Holland 21. Asipeli Fine 23. Brenko Lee
