Team News: Pre-Season Challenge Squad Finalised
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are gearing up for the 2024 NRL season with a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers set to take on the Melbourne Storm at Belmore Sports Ground this evening (7:00PM AEDT).
New recruit Blake Taaffe will take up the highly anticipated fullback position while Bronson Xerri will get his first taste of top-grade football since 2019.
Fellow recruits to debut in the Blue and White this Thursday include Drew Hutchison, who will pair with Matt Burton in the halves, Jaeman Salmon and Poasa Faamausili.
Stars, Reed Mahoney and Max King will link up with emerging talents Eli Clark, Jeral Skelton, Jordan Samrani and Sam Hughes. Additionally, break-out players from last year, Blake Wilson and Jacob Preston are primed for action.
The match offers fans an exciting glimpse at the new breed of Bulldogs, with a number of combinations expected to be tested on the field. Don't miss your chance to rally behind the Bulldogs and enjoy the atmosphere under Belmore lights.
Match: Bulldogs v Storm
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
6th Position
away Team
Storm
11th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Before the main trial starts at 7:00PM, the Bulldogs' NSW Cup squad will face off against the Bears in their own trial match starting at 4:30PM. Gates will open at 4:00PM for this prelude.
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blake Taaffe |
| 2 | Blake Wilson |
| 3 | Eli Clark |
| 4 | Bronson Xerri |
| 5 | Jeral Skelton |
| 6 | Matt Burton |
| 7 | Drew Hutchison |
| 8 | Maxwell King |
| 9 | Reed Mahoney |
| 15 | Poasa Faamausili |
| 11 | Kitione Kautoga |
| 12 | Jacob Preston |
| 13 | Jaeman Salmon |
| Interchange | |
| 14 | Toby Sexton |
| 10 | Sam Hughes |
| 16 | Liam Knight |
| 17 | Jordan Samrani |
| Reserves | |
| 19 | Harry Hayes |
| 20 | Bailey Hayward |
| 21 | Joash Papalii |
| 22 | Jonathan Sua |
| 23 | Jack Todd |
| 24 | Joseph O'Neill |
| 25 | Luke Smith |
| 26 | Lipoi Hopoi |
| 27 | Kurtis Morrin |
| 28 | William Afualo |
| 29 | Khaled Rajab |
| Coaching Staff | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Cameron Ciraldo |
