Vote for your round 1 team: The bench

With February upon us, the conversation around rugby league returning begins to heat up as the kick-off to the season draws closer.

The annual All Stars fixture kick started the pre-season schedule last weekend, before all 16 teams take to the field in the official NRL trial matches held this week.

Every year sees new players arrive at clubs and as kick-off approaches, everyone has their say on who they think should be in their teams starting 17 for the opening game of the season.

Over the month of February, bulldogs.com.au will break down their top 30 and allow you to vote for your starting 17.

This week we take a look at the bench and who are the players looking to cement a spot in jerseys 14, 15, 16 and 17 for the round one match against the Newcastle Knights.

*Please note Luke Thompson is unavailable for selection due to being suspended for the opening four rounds and both Jayden Okunbor and Christian Crichton are sidelined with knee injuries.