England international prop James Graham will make his Canterbury debut on Sunday when the club returns to its spiritual home of Belmore Oval for the NRL trial clash with the Sydney Roosters.

Graham has joined the Bulldogs from St Helens following a glittering career in the Super League where he won the Man of Steel Award in 2008 for the best player in the competition.

Coach Des Hasler has named two sides for the game, which marks the first match at the newly refurbished venue since 1998.

The two sides will play in either half with Ben Barba, Frank Pritchard and Josh Morris all included in the squad to start the game.

Another new signing Luke MacDougall lines up in the squad that will play in the second half.

New skipper Michael Ennis and first-choice halfback Trent Hodkinson are both out of the game as they make their way back from off-season surgery.

Hodkinson went under the knife to clear out his knee and is expected to be fit for the Bulldogs’ season opener against Penrith on March 3.

Ennis is also set to be ready for the game against the Panthers after a similar operation.

Canterbury team

First half: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jonathon Wright, Bryson Goodwin, Kris Keating, Josh Reynolds, Aiden Tolman, Joel Romelo, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Dene Halatau, David Stagg. Int: James Graham, Greg Eastwood, Corey Payne, Michael Lett.

Second half: Michael Lett, Sam Ahofono, Tim Lafai, Luke MacDougall, Daniel Abou-Sleiman, Chad Isles, Trent Cutler, Marty Taupau, Shane Pumipi, Tim Browne, Josh Jackson, Jake Foster, Dale Finucane. Int: Jake Finn, Harlan Alalaatoa, Tupou Sopoaga, Ed Murphy.