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Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has named eight players from last year’s Jersey Flegg championship team for the practice match against Melbourne at Belmore this week. This includes Eli Clark at the centre position and others in key positions, such as Harry Hayes and Luke Smith as backrowers, Joash Papali’i as fullback, and Jack Todd and Lipoi Hopoi as props. Joseph O’Neill, the Flegg captain and halfback, as well as winger William Afualo, will also take part.
It’s pivotal to note that all these emerging players have been part of the Bulldogs‘ training program since they played in either the Harold Matthews (under-17s) or SG Ball (under-19s) teams. As clubs like Canterbury start to focus more on junior development, retaining their prime talents becomes a challenge.
This is an issue Matt Burton, having spent his early years in Dubbo before being picked for Penrith’s squad and winning an NRL title in 2021, is all too aware of. Due to a salary cap issue at Penrith, Burton was drawn to Belmore with a three-year agreement. Burton is determined to ensure Canterbury’s best young players don’t follow his example.
He explained, “When the juniors finish their footy and are presented with other opportunities, it’s always tough. It’s crucial to retain development players in your club.” He further emphasised the importance of nurturing home-grown talent and encouraging them to remain one-club players.
Burton, coming from rural origins himself, endorses Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher’s proposal for the NRL‘s 18th team to be based in the country NSW, rather than the Pacific, Papua New Guinea or Perth. He believes it would revitalise the game in rural areas and provide more avenues for young talents.
Burton is set to play with new recruit Drew Hutchison on Thursday night as part of the halves combination. “He’s a senior player and new addition. His active participation has stirred the halves spot and he’s delivering his best,” Burton said.
Bronson Xerri, who received a four-year doping ban, makes a return at the centre position, marking his first match since 2019. Burton commented, “Coming back for him is about mastering the fundamentals and maintaining his physical conditioning.”
Also joining the new lineup are Jaeman Salmon, in the no. 13 jersey, and prop Poasa Faamausili who will play off the bench. However, new signings Stephen Crichton and Connor Tracey are not included in the list for the match.
It’s pivotal to note that all these emerging players have been part of the Bulldogs‘ training program since they played in either the Harold Matthews (under-17s) or SG Ball (under-19s) teams. As clubs like Canterbury start to focus more on junior development, retaining their prime talents becomes a challenge.
This is an issue Matt Burton, having spent his early years in Dubbo before being picked for Penrith’s squad and winning an NRL title in 2021, is all too aware of. Due to a salary cap issue at Penrith, Burton was drawn to Belmore with a three-year agreement. Burton is determined to ensure Canterbury’s best young players don’t follow his example.
He explained, “When the juniors finish their footy and are presented with other opportunities, it’s always tough. It’s crucial to retain development players in your club.” He further emphasised the importance of nurturing home-grown talent and encouraging them to remain one-club players.
Burton, coming from rural origins himself, endorses Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher’s proposal for the NRL‘s 18th team to be based in the country NSW, rather than the Pacific, Papua New Guinea or Perth. He believes it would revitalise the game in rural areas and provide more avenues for young talents.
Burton is set to play with new recruit Drew Hutchison on Thursday night as part of the halves combination. “He’s a senior player and new addition. His active participation has stirred the halves spot and he’s delivering his best,” Burton said.
Bronson Xerri, who received a four-year doping ban, makes a return at the centre position, marking his first match since 2019. Burton commented, “Coming back for him is about mastering the fundamentals and maintaining his physical conditioning.”
Also joining the new lineup are Jaeman Salmon, in the no. 13 jersey, and prop Poasa Faamausili who will play off the bench. However, new signings Stephen Crichton and Connor Tracey are not included in the list for the match.
