Canterbury will pay about $15,000 to fly two extra players to Las Vegas for the NRL season opener next month and to help with their opposed sessions in light of the changes to the interchange rule.
The NRL confirmed during the week teams could name six players on the bench, but still only choose the four during any game.
Rugby league finally returned on Saturday night.Credit: Getty Images
The Bulldogs immediately reacted by agreeing to fund two extra players, which will take their US squad size from 22 to 24.
Under the Vegas agreement, including this year’s four participating clubs – the Dogs, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and North Queensland – the NRL pays for flights and accommodation for 22 players. It is on the clubs to pay for any extra squad members.
Bulldogs Coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed on Saturday there were enough reasons to justify the club spending extra cash.
“We’ll take 24, mainly to help with our training, and it will allow us to get as close to 13-on-13 while we’re over there,” he said.
Rugby league is back: Taye Cochrane takes it up for the Bulldogs against the Cowboys at Kogarah on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
“With the new interchange rule, and having to carry two extra players on the bench, we wanted also to take a couple of extras, just in case.”
The Dogs kept the bulk of their NRL squad on the sidelines for Saturday’s opening trial against North Queensland on a warm evening at Kogarah. They trailed 28-0, roared back to 28-24, before losing 34-30.
They were paid an impromptu visit in the sheds after the game by NSW Premier Chris Minns, who has been a lifelong Dogs fans.
Ciraldo said most of his stars would take part in next weekend’s trial against Newcastle, except recruit Leo Thompson who will represent the Maori All Stars.
The Cowboys were on top early before the Bulldogs came back in a tight trial at Kogarah.Credit: Getty Images
There has been a lot of interest in teenage halfback Mitch Woods and if he will be fit for the US when the Dogs fly out on Thursday week.
“I’m not sure, he had a hamstring strain, which isn’t bad, but given his history and being a kid, we’re being conservative with it,” Ciraldo said.
“We still have two weeks before Vegas. He’ll be given every chance, but I’m not sure.”
The general consensus when it comes to the make-up of the six-man bench is three forwards, a utility, a specialist outside back and playmaker.
For the Dogs, they have Sean O’Sullivan on call if they need that extra bench spot, especially if Woods is not fit.
The best news for the Cowboys was the sight of backrower Heilum Luki playing his first game in 505 days after rupturing his ACL.
With regular backrower Jeremiah Nanai struggling with a shoulder injury, there is a spot up for grabs, and Luki is eager to return.
“On the way here I was really nervous; hopefully I can string some games together and make that 17,” said Luki, who scored the opening try after three minutes.
Soni Luke, who was in the Penrith system before being signed late by the Cowboys, could force his way on to the plane because of the increased size of the bench and his ability to cover dummy-half. The only reason he did not feature in the trial against the Dogs was because of a head knock he received at training last week.
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