RD1 Team v Eels **EELS TEAM HERE TOO**

[Moe]

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has today named his first grade line up for Saturday’s Round 1 NRL clash against the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium.

The team includes Bulldogs debutants Justin Tsoulos, Danny Williams and Michael Sullivan who were all key off season signings for the club.

Willie Tonga has overcome a knee injury which forced him to miss all the trials and will be partnered in the centres by exciting local junior Tim Winitana, whilst the good trial form of Daniel Holdsworth and Ben Roberts has secured them the starting halves positions.

1. Luke Patten
2. Hazem El Masri
3. Tim Winitana
4. Willie Tonga
5. Matt Utai
6. Ben Roberts
7. Daniel Holdsworth
8. Jarrad Hickey
9. Corey Hughes
10. Justin Tsoulos
11. Sonny Bill Williams
12. Andrew Ryan (c)
13. Lee Te Maari

Interchange:
14. Reni Maitua
15. Kane Cleal
16. Danny Williams
17. Michael Sullivan

 

[Moe]

great looking side IMO. looks like insider was correct

Backline looks very strong

 

[ash160]

Awesome Side!!!!!

 

[Mitch Connor]

That starting front row....lets hope they can at least hold their own...

 

[gibbo2]

No Groom is disapointing, i am still worried about our backline to be honest. It is still lacking some speed size and fire power.

 

[Blessed]

Not bad at all, good looking side in my opinion - enough talent there to be competitive, further WIN.

 

[houndmeister]

good side imo, Folkes smokescreen playing Phleps in the trial lol.

Will be interested to see how the front row goes but plenty of enthusiasm on the bench

 

[ash160]

No Groom is disapointing, i am still worried about our backline to be honest. It is still lacking some speed size and fire power.

Tonga and Wini are around the 100 kilos...I think size isn't a problem

 

[Blessed]

No Groom is disapointing, i am still worried about our backline to be honest. It is still lacking some speed size and fire power.

I think they have got it right to start with, these guys deserve first crack - IM SURE THERE WILL BE CHANGES IF INDIVIDUAL'S AREN'T PERFORMING.

Im really looking forward to having Kouparitsas back. I think Cleal will play well.

 

[Bring on Robbo]

Great side

 

[rexest]

Good side but id rather see leon bott in the centers instead of wittana. The side will look alot better when armit and koups are back.

 

[Blessed]

good side imo, Folkes smokescreen playing Phleps in the trial lol.

Will be interested to see how the front row goes but plenty of enthusiasm on the bench

Yes, its a quite strong bench actually - like the fact that there is some new comers there who will show enthusiasm as they have a point to prove.

 

[Mitch Connor]

That bench looks promising.

Any announcement on the NSW Cup team and U-20's team yet?

 

[buddman]

Looking good. Now just have to turn it all into points and competition points.

 

[Dogzkill4eva]

i like the side hope we Win Go DOgs

 

[Izy]

Reni on the bench is a good choice. Some fresh damaging forwards in dire straits.

 

[jimmy_the_greek]

Interesting to see Tsoulos getting a starting spot, he played well against the Dragons so well deserved. If we get the 2 points or not will totally depend on the halves combination, hopefully they do well.

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Pehaps they think that Roberts is the better of the two.
Giving DJ 1st crack whilst grooming Roberts for the 5/8 role.
When/if DJ fails - groom comes in to partner Roberts.

 

[JuStINcReDIbLe.]

Good side

No pace outwide whatsoever

 

[Bulldogs50]

from all reports this team should do well. And the team has been picked mainly from form which is a good sign. I didnt get to the trials but hoping to see some good things from the new boys