Canterbury has started its new era with a promising performance, defeating NRL heavyweights the Storm to kick off the pre-season challenge on Thursday night.
With a number of big names on deck for both sides, it was the Bulldogs who emerged victorious with a 24-12 triumph at Belmore Oval.
The visitors led at the half-time break, but some young guns from the Dogs proved to be the difference in the second 40 minutes, while a returning speedster had some lovely touches in the centres and their new recruits starred.
Craig Bellamy will be disappointed with some of the efforts from his side, but there were glimpses of brilliance and two key backs on the paddock after injury lay-offs.
Here’s what we learned from the first official NRL trial in 2024.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Bronson Xerri return in style
All eyes were on returning Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen on Thursday night – and the speedster showed glimpses of his best after a horror run with injuries.
In his first game back after ankle surgery, Papenhuyzen had some nice touches at the back for Melbourne, before crossing for a trademark try just before the break.
“Papenhuyzen showing that he hasn’t lost any speed,” Cooper Cronk said during the Fox League coverage.
The 25-year-old also set up a nice try for Dean Ieremia – who was also back on deck after an ACL injury – in the early stages, finishing off a smooth backline play.
Papenhuyzen finished with 10 runs for 43 metres and three tackle breaks before sitting on the bench for the entire second half.
“I got through it really well … I was confident I could get through the reps and at half-time, I wanted to go back out there,” he said post-game on Fox League.
“They wanted to put me on ice and we’ve got a trial in Fiji next week.”
On the other side of the field, Bronson Xerri had some strong moments and finished with 15 runs for 148 metres, as well as scoring a try and setting up another.
It was his first game back in NRL colours since being banned for doping in 2020.
“He’s had some nice touches tonight,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League.
After a four-year absence from the sport, Xerri looked every bit the future rep star many believed he would become prior to his suspension and looks likely to start the season in the centres for Canterbury this year.
Blake Taaffe produces ‘terrific’ display in No.1 audition
There were plenty of question marks around Blake Taaffe heading into the pre-season challenge, but the former South Sydney utility staked his claim for the Bulldogs’ No.1 jumper in an eye-catching performance.
The 24-year-old had struggled for consistent first grade appearances at the Rabbitohs in recent years, despite playing in a grand final in 2021, but has started his tenure at the Dogs in style, running for over 115 metres against Melbourne.
Taaffe wasn’t the star of the show by any means and still has room to improve, but his positional play at the back and his energy through the middle was enough to impress former Bulldogs captain Ennis.
“He’s been really good,” he said on Fox League.
“He has shown great energy to get to the ball on the full. He’s been very well positioned tonight … he has been terrific.”
Taaffe was taken from the field just after the half-time break and will likely get another crack at the fullback role next week, with Stephen Crichton and Connor Tracey also in the mix for the NRL season.
