Curran lock
Mann bench
Knight NSW cup
Hughes starting front row
How good was Salmon starting lock thoPretty much.
Salmon and Poasa make up the bench with Morrin.
It's small but they all rip In.
If they think they’ll win games with non stop matt burton bombs they are also kiddingIf knight is picked over every other prop that outplayed him they r kidding
Swap Curren for Poasa or Hughes and put Curren to 13 and that’s probably right… the only other question mark is Xerri, personally, Xerri may need a few more cup games under his belt before making centre his own.The Bulldogs will have the biggest transformation of any team in the NRL in 2024 with up to seven new faces in the 17-man side for round one.
After finishing 15th, 12th, last and 15th in the past four seasons, football boss Phil Gould has swept a broom through the club, getting rid of plenty of dead wood.
His recruitment has concentrated on quantity rather than elite quality, with one exception – former Panthers match-winner Stephen Crichton.
Crichton will add much needed strike power out wide in the centres, as will former Shark Bronson Xerri, if he can regain his mojo after his lengthy drugs ban.
Xerri looked sharp on debut in the win over the Storm on Thursday night in an encouraging sign.
Former Titans playmaker Toby Sexton did enough last year to start in the key No.7 role, but will be kept honest by Roosters recruit Drew Hutchison, a steady campaigner capable of steering the team around the park.
Blake Taaffe from the Rabbitohs has the speed and class to make a go of the fullback spot in a backline brimming with pace.
I like former Sharks utility Connor Tracey – he has the skills to also make a fine fullback but he is versatile and brings impact, making him an ideal No.14 off the bench.
Ex-Warrior Josh Curran is a great pick-up in the forwards, as is the versatile Kurt Mann from Newcastle.
Another newcomer, Jaeman Salmon from the Panthers, also brings something to the table as an interchange player.
In summary, a sharper and faster team than in 2023 and as a result, should win more games.
2024 gains: Bronson Xerri (return from ban), Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Drew Hutchison (Roosters), Kurt Mann (Knights), Jake Turpin (Roosters), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins).
2024 losses: Jake Averillo (Dolphins), Tevita Pangai Junior (retired), Kyle Flanagan (Dragons), Paul Alamoti (Panthers), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs NSW Cup), Declan Casey (Wests Tigers, train and trial), Michael Gabrael (Sharks), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Dragons), Zac Montgomery (released).
BULLDOGS' BEST 17
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jacob Kiraz 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Jacob Preston 12. Viliame Kikau 13. Kurt Mann 14. Connor Tracey 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Jaeman Salmon 17. Liam Knight
I like JAC, I see him as the face of our club, since we have a number of players who could cover his position, swaping him for a good prop might be the go, however no club would let a top line middle go.Most of our players are relatively young. JAC is 27 I think and at his peak. Id hate to see our young stars leave, maybe JAC gets swapped for a prop.
Yeah, clearly he was off his best mentally, I wouldn't use that match to judge.Something was wrong on Thursday.. he had a very strong pre season. Fcuker was running hard at training!
Liked the young guns attitudes that will keep the pressure on the established players… that has been noticeably absent in recent years.Yeah, clearly he was off his best mentally, I wouldn't use that match to judge.
Ciraldo and co managed the team well, nearly every player to go on field was on point, ready to play smart and hard. Big sign, hopefully that mentality can consistently be delivered
Yeah I liked what I saw from Salmon at lock.I think Salmon will be 13, Curran as a bench player. Jarman killed it the other night, Curran not so much in the Allstars.
How long is Taafe signed for?I think Taafe will play FB with the vision that Papali will take over 2025. Critta will play centre, but I pray they give him a license to roam ala Turbo in origin 2021. Have him pop up where ever he wants.
Just for 2 according to ZeroTackle.How long is Taafe signed for?
It’s amazing what a difference it makes when someone understands the role CC requires of the lock I’m sure other players will be watching.Yeah I liked what I saw from Salmon at lock.
I do think curren could also do well for us at lock, but with a fighting fit and inform salmon in the squad I think he edged him out only just.
I think only 2 years. Papali will definitely be ready by 26. Potentially 2025. I’d even be tempted to give him a run at the end of this season if it’s gone.How long is Taafe signed for?
He will get his chance no doubtI think only 2 years. Papali will definitely be ready by 26. Potentially 2025. I’d even be tempted to give him a run at the end of this season if it’s gone.
There is only one name on that losses list that would remotely resemble a loss and even that one could be argued.It’s much improved roster looking at those gains and losses
Salmon poasa , Morrin and Mann will be in our starting 17 .Pretty much.
Salmon and Poasa make up the bench with Morrin.
It's small but they all rip In.