
They’re the young male and female talents ready to explode onto the scene this junior reps season. We look at some of the Club's players to watch in Lisa Fiaola, Harold Matts, Tarsha Gale and SG Ball Cup in 2024.
They’re the future of rugby league and they're about to play right before our eyes, this Saturday, February 3 at Belmore Sports Ground.
Showcasing some of the best-rising male and female rugby league talent in the state, the 2024 NSWRL season is shaping up as the biggest yet with four competitions across the U17s and U19s divisions.
We take a look at some of the Club's Academy players to watch across the Lisa Fiaola, Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale and SG Ball Cup competitions this year.
LISA FIAOLA CUP
ROUND ONE - 10AM, BELMORE SPORTS GROUND
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Eels
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Coach: Michael Stuart
What to expect: A strong mix of local juniors and Bulldogs Academy graduates who have worked extremely hard in the pre-season. A group eager to put their best foot forward in the competition's first full expansion in NSWRL history. A well-connected team who have gelled over the summer, ready to test themselves against neighbouring rivals, Parramatta.
MARY-JANE FETUAO TAITO
Hooker
A tough, energetic hooker with skills to back her explosive speed from dummy half. Very solid in defence.
GIOVANNA SIAPO SUANI
Front row
A hard running forward with an engine to play big, quality minutes. Defensively sound.
TRINITY TAUANEAI
Lock
A talented lock forward who has the awareness, aggression in attack and defence, ball skills and power to lead from the front. A very well-rounded player with a bright future ahead of her in rugby league.
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP
ROUND ONE - 1PM, BELMORE SPORTS GROUND
Match: Bulldogs v Roosters
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Roosters
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Coach: Shannon Rushworth
What to expect: The squad has a good mix of experience with ten players who were involved in the Harold Matts championship campaign last year. They know exactly how tough the competition can be and what is required to do well. Some new, enthusiastic faces who have graduated through the Bulldogs Academy/development programs now get their chance to get out on the field and test themselves. A bunch that are keen to show what they are capable of.
ITULA SEVE
Front-row
Returns for another year after giving the Bulldogs plenty of go-forward in a Premiership season. A local junior who is a powerful front-rower and damaging from close range. A City U16s representative.
MASON PHILLIPS
Hooker
A Queenslander who comes back for his second season in the U17s competition. Lights up play around the ruck, a crafty hooker with great attacking ability.
MATTHEW BARAKAT
Halfback
The local junior has been in the Bulldogs development system for a number of years. He has earned his spot through hard work and perseverance, now rewarded with the halfback jersey. He brings a tactical kicking game and a strong ability to direct the team around the park. A solid addition for a side looking to go back-to-back.
TARSHA GALE CUP
ROUND ONE - 11:30AM BELMORE SPORTS GROUND
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Eels
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Coach: Bou Ovington
What to expect: A squad that is hungry to make amends for last year following a close grand final finish which left them as the runners-up.
Strong across the paddock in all positions, particularly with a solid forward pack and some exciting outside backs. Good depth in the squad and several talented players who can be game-changers with their individual skills.
AILANI PENESE
Front row
A Queensland recruit who possesses a powerful running game. An equally impressive defensive player.
AMBRYN-MURPHY HAUA
Halfback
A developing player who has the marking traits of a potential future star. Unmatched skill in the halves and a growing football IQ which makes her a leader amongst a strong playing contingent.
MARIAH FASAVALU-FA’AMAUSILI
Centre
Comes to the club from Parramatta and despite being a year young, can push for selection. A tackle breaker who has a City U17s representation to her name.
ABBY AROS
Fullback/centre
A great communicator who is a tough running player. She is at home in either position and has no issues with tough carries and defensive efforts. One of the most exciting prospects in the competition and a player earmarked for the Club's future NRLW squad.
AMBRYN MURPHY-HAUA
Halfback
Returns for another season and took her strong TG form local with Milperra last season. A strong and reliable defender to back up her elite playmaking.
SG BALL CUP
ROUND ONE - 2:30PM, BELMORE SPORTS GROUND
Match: Bulldogs v Roosters
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Roosters
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Coach: Steve "The Zap" Turner (Bulldog #716)
What to expect from the squad: There is a strong work ethic and connection amongst the group. Having a number of the Club’s 2023 Harold Matthews winning team members in the squad has brought a strong competitive edge. A group that loves their footy and loves to win.
LOGAN SPINKS
Back-row
An Australian Schoolboy backrower who has graduated from our Greater Northen Tigers Academy Program. A highly skilled forward who is a leader within the group.
MITCHELL WOODS
Halfback
Steps up to the SG Ball level as a year young player and on the back of leading the side to a Harold Matthews title. The Bulldogs fought hard to keep him from AFL and you only need one look at him to realise why.
ALEX CONTI
Five-eighth
A Junior Blues representative who has come to the Bulldogs from Balmain, Conti has a great boot on him and looks to form a dynamite partnership with Woods.
FOU SEVE
Prop
A local junior who has signed on as a Bulldog long-term. A prop forward who has grown and developed over the summer.
Gates open at 9:30AM tomorrow, with tickets available to purchase at the gate for $5.00.