CANTERBURY BULLDOGS PENPIX FOR 2014 GRAND FINAL AGAINST SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS AT ANZ STADIUM ON SUNDAY:
SAM PERRETT – fullback
Age: 29
NRL games: 208
Canterbury didn’t have a recognised fullback to start the season and have spent the whole year looking for one. But still it’s Perrett who wears the No.1. One of the NRL’s great team players, Perrett has lost two grand finals with Canterbury and the Roosters.
COREY THOMPSON – wing
Age: 24
NRL games: 24
Diminutive winger who will go up against South Sydney livewire Alex Johnston. Thompson plays above his weight and has been compared to champion Bulldogs flankman Hazem El Masri.
JOSH MORRIS – centre
Age: 28
NRL games: 173
Came up with one of the most courageous plays ever seen in State of Origin football this year when he inspired NSW to a breakthrough victory for the ages. Tough defensively and with the big-match experience to make something happen when it’s needed.
TIM LAFAI – centre
Age: 23
NRL games: 53
Size, speed and blistering footwork, Lafai is a star in the making. Coach Des Hasler has given Lafai a full run in first grade this season and the Samoan-born three-quarter has made the most of his chances. Starred in the first final against Melbourne.
MITCH BROWN – wing
Age: 26
NRL games: 128
Journeyman who has been to several clubs, and next year returns to his first, Cronulla. Brown might not look like much, but he’s proven to be a reliable winger for Hasler. Goes up against veteran Lote Tuqiri, and is likely to face an aerial assault from Souths’ half Adam Reynolds.
JOSH REYNOLDS – five-eighth
Age: 25
NRL games: 78
Fascinating season for one of the NRL’s most whole-hearted players. Reynolds was part of the history-making Blues team, but he’s also suffered several brain snaps which have cost the Bulldogs. Belmore junior, Reynolds is the Dogs of War mentality epitomised.
TRENT HODKINSON – halfback
Age: 26
NRL games: 96
Along with Reynolds is out to make history by doing the State of Origin-premiership double in the same season. Nicknamed ‘Ice Man’ for his match-winning form for State and club this season. Battling a knee injury, but will be crucial if the game is close.
AIDEN TOLMAN – prop
Age: 25
NRL games: 148
One of the band of former Melbourne players who won’t admit it, but is hunting for his first legitimate premiership after the salary cap dramas that plagued the Storm. One of the most consistent front rowers in the competition, Tolman goes all day.
MICHAEL ENNIS (capt) – hooker
Age: 30
NRL games: 223
A constant pain in the side for opposition teams, Ennis is an inspiration to his teammates and will be greatly missed if he is as expected – ruled out of the grand final. But it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Des Hasler is creating a huge smokescreen and he plays.
JAMES GRAHAM – prop
Age: 29
NRL games: 71
Player of the finals so far, Graham has emerged as the most dominant front rower in the NRL. Last time the Englishman appeared in a grand final he bit Melbourne counterpart Billy Slater, resulting in a 12-match suspension. If the Bulldogs win, expect Graham for the Clive Churchill Medal.
JOSH JACKSON – second row
Age: 23
NRL games: 64
Tipped to be a future representative back rower, and that honour could come as soon as this off-season, with the Kangaroos eyeing him off for the Four Nations. Jackson is a non-nonsense toiler with skill and game-sense. Will be a constant threat on the right edge.
TONY WILLIAMS – second row
Age: 25
NRL games: 134
T-Rex is one of the most maligned players in the NRL, but this year he’s stood up to be counted. A hugely damaging ball-runner when he puts his mind to it, Williams has a renewed hunger and is chasing his second premiership.
GREG EASTWOOD – lock
Age: 27
NRL games: 169
One of the most underrated players in the NRL, Eastwood has come up with two massive performances so far this finals series. The oversized lock was brilliant against Melbourne and delivered the skilful match-winner last week against Penrith.
Interchange:
TIM BROWNE – prop
Age: 26
NRL games: 36
Recalled for last week’s preliminary final, Browne offers more size to the Canterbury pack as they prepare to take on the might of South Sydney.
DALE FINUCANE – second row
Age: 23
NRL games: 65
Along with Jackson, another back rower with a big future for Canterbury. Finucane scored his first try of the season when it mattered most, in last week’s grand final qualifier against Penrith.
DAVID KLEMMER – prop
Age: 20
NRL games: 26
Absolute giant with the mindset of an old school front rower. Tough as they come, and mad as a cut snake. Incredibly, was part of the Sydney Swans’ AFL academy as a youngster, but has never kicked a ball in the NRL. Former under 20s player of the year.
FRANK PRITCHARD – second row
Age: 30
NRL games: 222
If Ennis is ruled out, Pritchard, as the club’s co-captain will have to stand up to be counted. Was expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle, but the Kiwi forward has returned and could be crucial on the big occasion.
MOSES MBYE – utility
Age: 21
NRL games: 8
Compared to Johnathan Thurston, this promising half may get his first big opportunity at hooker in place of Ennis in the premiership decider. Mbye is a versatile utility and has a strong defensive game.
