The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs are banking on class halves Jade Porter and Sam Wooden to free up the attacking prowess of local stars to return them to semi-finals football.
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When the Bulldogs successfully re-signed the bulk of their 2017 team, experienced halves were a priority.
“Getting our squad for 2018 the most important thing was the retention of what we had and trying to fill the gaps around them, which I think we have done well,” Bulldogs coach Ron Griffiths said.
Both Newcastle RL premiership players Porter and Wooden are proven stars in their own right but their influence is expecting to allow homegrown talent Mitch Cullen and Ben Wyborn to become even more attacking weapons in the centre of the field.
Wyborn will share duties at dummy-half with new signing Tom McKenzie, who joins the Bulldogs from the Maitland Pickers after experience in the Intrust state league.
The versatile Cullen will play as an old-fashioned lock, injecting himself into play and boosting the cover defence
“I think we will have Tom McKenzie start at hooker and Ben will come on after the first 15 minutes to play there,” Griffiths said ahead of the Kurri Kurri’s opening game at the season at home against South Newcastle
“In the Charity Shield, when Ben came off the bench and they were a little tired he cut them to ribbons.
“Mitch and Ben can play anywhere. It doesn’t matter where you put them they get the job done to great effect.
“Mitch will play a more traditional lock role.
“A lot of sides go now with a bigger guy in the middle, pack that extra front-rower. But we want to change that a little with Mitch who clan play the footy and is excellent at tidying things up defensively.”
The Bulldogs blooded the next generation with young forwards Jordy Mitchell and Reed Alchin promoted from under-19s last year.
“You look at guys like Cullen and Wyborn who were first graders before their time, Jordy and Reed are the same,” he said.
“Cullen and Wyborn had a good group around them and I think these kids have the same sort of support. They could be here for another 10 years.
That support includes forwards Mick Steele. Brady Hammond, Brock Gilmour and Mick Campton and the versatile Kade Hardy.
Other new additions to the squad include Jono Maloney (Maitland Rugby Union), Shane Beale (Macquarie), Zeb Dunstan (Cessnock) and Kahn Jhunke (Newcastle All-Age).
“Jono O’Toole has been great since he came across. He has a background in league and then went to rugby. He has a good technique about him in defence, a very good attitude and plenty of speed,” Griffiths said.
“Shane Beale is a centre with a lot of potential extremely talented and if he applies himself should be a first grader every week.
“Zeb Dunstan is a very versatile player. He told me when he came he played every position on the field except halfback.
“Kahn Jhunke has predominantly played second division in Newcastle. He has a lot of ability and has accepted the challenge to play first grade.”
Griffiths is hopeful fullback Ryan Walker will be available for selection by round three as he recovers from an ankle injury.
However, George O’Brien, who came to the Bulldogs from the Pickers, is out for the season with a knee injury to continue his wretched run of luck with injury.
A big day of footy kicks off at Kurri Kurri Sportsground with the Ladies League Tag at 10.30am. First grade starts at 3.30pm.
