Round 13 Team News: Squad finalised for Newcastle encounter
Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo has finalised his side to face the Newcastle Knights this evening at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Match: Knights v Bulldogs
Round 13 -
home Team
Knights
11th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
10th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
The Bulldogs will look to back up a dominant 44-12 victory over the Dragons last week, however, will be without a few senior players as Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton are omitted from the side due to Origin duties, and Viliame Kikau recovers from finger surgery.
Instead, Jacob Preston moves into the starting line-up, Jacob Kiraz shifts to centre as cover for the missing skipper and speedy Blake Wilson makes a return on the wing.
Young Bailey Hayward comes in to start at lock with Kurt Mann set to make an impact from interchange against his former side. Joining him on the bench is Lipoi Hopoi who is set to make his NRL debut for the Bulldogs after 33 strong appearances at the Cup level. Harry Hayes becomes 18th man.
Drew Hutchison and Toby Sexton pair in the halves while hooker, Reed Mahoney will lead the squad from the front as tonight's on-field Captain in the absence of Crichton.
| No. | Player | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor Tracey | Sydney City Building Group |
| 2 | Blake Wilson | Dental on Evaline |
| 3 | Bronson Xerri | Penny’s Crispy Pork Crackling |
| 4 | Jacob Kiraz | Juice Lab & Co Bankstown |
| 5 | Josh Addo-Carr | Defiant Digital |
| 6 | Drew Hutchison | Lira Financial |
| 7 | Toby Sexton | Canterbury League Club |
| 8 | Max King | Guardian Venue Management |
| 9 | Reed Mahoney (c) | HY-TEC |
| 10 | Samuel Hughes | Intello IT |
| 11 | Jacob Preston | Waterview |
| 12 | Jaeman Salmon | Zoom Energy |
| 14 | Bailey Hayward | Corellian |
| Interchange | Recovery Partners | |
| 13 | Kurt Mann | Brushwood Engineering Group |
| 15 | Josh Curran | Khalil Lawyers |
| 16 | Kurtis Morrin | AM PM Plumbing & Electrical |
| 19 | Lipoi Hopoi | Platinum Rehabilitation Group |
| Reserves | Recovery Partners | |
| 22 | Harry Hayes |
| Coaching Staff | Name | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Cameron Ciraldo | ShoeGrab |
