Canterbury fans will get their first look at Test back-rower Tony Williams in the blue and white with the former Manly star named to play in the Bulldogs’ opening NRL trial on Sunday.

Williams will play the second half of the hitout against NSW Cup side Newtown at Belmore Sports Ground, alongside the likes of first-team regulars Josh Reynolds, Aiden Tolman and Krisnan Inu.

Coach Des Hasler named a team of fringe players to contest the first half, his line-up including 2012 NYC player of the year David Klemmer in the front row and former City Origin representative Trent Hodkinson at halfback.

Hodkinson missed most of the 2012 season due to knee and shoulder injuries, but will be given an early chance to impress in what looms as a battle for the Bulldogs No.7 jumper with Kris Keating.

Both halves will work under the tutelage of former Manly premiership-winning skipper Matt Orford, who has linked up with the club as a skills coach.

Hodkinson was Orford’s understudy at the Sea Eagles prior to the latter’s departure from the club following the 2009 season.

Klemmer could be fast-tracked into the NRL this season with English prop James Graham to miss the first 10 rounds due to the suspension he incurred for biting Billy Slater’s ear in last year’s grand final.

Josh Morris and Ben Barba will miss the game due to All Stars duty while skipper Michael Ennis, Frank Pritchard and Sam Kasiano have all been rested.