True Blue Jamie Soward casts his eyes over the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup graduate who is set to make his NRL debut when the Bulldogs take on the Knights in Round 1.
Schoolteacher Bradley Deitz thought his dream of playing first grade was drifting away with each passing season but his decision to link with Mounties is about to pay off.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett broke the news on Monday, a day before Deitz’s 26th birthday, that he will wear the No. 14 jumper against Newcastle Knights on Friday night. Mounties are the Bulldogs’ feeder club in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
The call undoubtedly came as a surprise for the NSW Cup veteran, who has played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Wentworthville Magpies and North Sydney Bears, due to the fact he is currently on a training contract.
The Bulldogs were granted an exemption by the NRL after starting hooker Jeremy Marshall-King went down for the Maori All Stars, allowing Deitz to fulfil his lifelong dream.
Sowie Says
“Brad Deitz making his debut is one of the success stories of the NRL even though we haven’t had a game played. After a decorated schoolboy career, it’s been a pleasure to watch his career grow.
“It’s his experience around dummy half that excites me, it’s an area where the Dogs haven’t quite got the mix right over the past few years. Deitz’s service is good, he’s a hard worker in defence so I’m really looking forward to seeing him play in Round 1 for the Bulldogs.”
