Graham injury sours Dogs NRL trial win

Canterbury captain James Graham is in doubt for the NRL’s opening round due to a leg injury suffered in Saturday night’s 20-0 trial win over Melbourne at Belmore Sportsground.

Brown was hit hard in a tackle in the 12th minute. He left the field and didn’t return, only to sit on the sideline with his lower leg in ice and crutches beside him throughout the second half.

The Bulldogs were impressive in the win at their spiritual ground, with Josh Reynolds steering them astutely around the park.

But the focus on their lead-in to the round-one fixture against Manly at Brookvale Oval on Friday March 4 will be the availability of Graham who was man of the match in last week’s All Stars clash.

Key recruit Will Hopoate is already in doubt for the clash with the Sea Eagles due to a knee injury.

Brett Morris is expected to miss the first four games of the season due to a knee complaint.

Moses Mybe sat out the match against Melbourne with a gluteal strain but won’t miss the first game of the year. Matt Frawley played alongside Reynolds in the Dogs’ halves.

Graham’s injury and Mybe’s absence didn’t affect the Bulldogs too greatly. It did take them 30 minutes to get on the scoreboard through when Perrett crossed out wide.

Michael Lichaa ducked his way through the Storm defence under the sticks, after a Sam Kasiano offload, in the 36th minute for the Dogs to lead 10-0 at the break.

Canterbury built on that when stand-in skipper Josh Jackson strolled over out side in the 53rd minute.

Curtis Scott filled in at fullback for Melbourne, who were disappointing, in an indication he will be custodian for their round-one match if Billy Slater and Cameron Munster are not fit.

Perrett scored again in the dying seconds to complete the win.

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