Bulldogs to blood three pups against Sea Eagles

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been forced into a number of changes for their Round 16 clash with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday (3:00PM AEST).

The Pack has been updated 24 hours before kick-off. Ofahiki Ogden and Watson Heleta omitted from the squad on game day eve and Renouf Atoni before kick-off.

With Dylan Napa, Brandon Wakeham, Aaron Schoupp, Corey Waddell and Sione Katoa all unavailable due to a 14 day Government Isolation Period after testing negative for COVID, three players will make their NRL debut.

24 year-old Falakiko Manu will start in the centres after some strong performances for Mounties this season. He was previously in the Bulldogs Pathways program over recent years and is a current train and trial player.

On the bench, 19 year-old Bailey Biondi-Odo, who joined the club as a train and trial player at the end of the 2019 season, and can play hooker or half, will fill the utility role. He previously represented the Bulldogs at the 2020 Nines in Perth.

19 year-old forward Chris Patolo, who is a local junior from the Bankstown Sports club, will also come off the bench. He is currently a contracted Development player.

• Corey Allen return to the side after overcoming a shoulder injury
• Kyle Flanagan moving back into the starting halves
• Jackson Topine return in the second row
• Joe Stimson return to the bench

*Adam Elliott (fractured cheekbone), Chris Smith (ankle sprain) and Nick Cotric (turf toe injury from training) were all considered unavailable due to injury