2019 proved to be a year of memorable milestones for six Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs players.
Whether it was a landmark game, club milestone or something on a bigger scale, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate the significant milestones reached throughout the 2019 season.
THIS YEAR’S MILESTONES
Bulldogs 733 Aiden Tolman registered two significant milestones throughout the 2019 season. The prop forward played his 250th NRL match and his 200th Bulldogs NRL game in a memorable year for the 30-year old. The quiet achiever’s career began in 2008 at the Melbourne Storm, where he notched up 53 games before moving to the Dogs in 2011. His family and friends were on hand to celebrate his 250th against the Cronulla Sharks in round 15 with the Bulldogs showing their true fighting spirit to register a 14-12 victory.
Tolman's 250th NRL jersey presentation
Meanwhile, Tolman joined an exclusive group of men who have played 200 or more first grade games for the Bulldogs in round 20 against the Penrith Panthers. Since 1935, there have been only 11 players, from the 800 who have played first grade for the club, with the Smithtown Tiger becoming the 12th player to reach this significant milestone during the club’s impressive win over the Panthers at Bankwest Stadium. Club great Andrew Ryan presented his close friend with his 200th Bulldogs NRL jersey.
Andrew Ryan presents Aiden Tolman's 200th club game jersey
Meanwhile, back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner played his 50th NRL game for the Dogs in round 22 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Club milestones were also reached with four players playing their 100th Bulldogs club game throughout the season.
Marcelo Montoya and Reimis Smith both played their 100th Bulldogs club game during NRL fixtures in 2019 with Montoya’s milestone coming in the sides’ clash with the Storm at Belmore in round 11, while Smith’s was celebrated during the club’s victory over the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.
In addition, Michael Lichaa and Bronson Garlick’s milestones came against the Wests Magpies in round 10 and the Newcastle Knights in round 17, respectively, for the Canterbury Cup side.
