Jonathan Wright will be putting friendships on hold when Canterbury take on Newcastle in Sunday’s NRL clash at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Bulldogs from Parramatta at the start of last season, was an under-20s player for the Knights before joining the Eels, and will come face to face with former teammates Timana Tahu and Akuila Uate.

Wright won a grand final alongside NSW winger Uate for the Northern Lakes club on the NSW Central Coast and has a close bond with Tahu, who he played with at Parramatta.

Despite being a proud Novocastrian, Wright admits he hated the Knights growing up and will have those feelings once again when the sides do battle on Sunday.

“I was a Raiders supporter,” Wright said.

“I was a black sheep in the family. I know it’s a bit of a funny thing, but it’s just how I was when I was younger.

“Aku was a freak back then and I think he was probably the same size he is now. He is their danger man and we have to stop him.

“Timana is someone I’ve looked up to and he is a world-class centre and I am going to really be tested by his footwork and it will be a big test for me.”

Wright has endured a stop-start career in first grade since making his debut in 2009.

He was part of the Eels’ extended squad that made it to the grand final that year, only to be cut from the match-day 17.

However, Bulldogs supremo Des Hasler has been the first coach to show genuine faith in him and has rewarded him with two tries in the side’s opening three games, which have all ended in victory.

“I debuted a few years ago, but I was a string fellow, filling in the gaps,” he said.

“It was hard because there was no momentum and I couldn’t really impress.

“But I am thriving. Now hope I can keep impressing Dessie and stay in the side.”