Jacob Kiraz Returns at Fullback as Bulldogs Shuffle Backline

Jacob Kiraz returned from a knee injury and jacob kiraz was named at fullback for Canterbury against Melbourne on Friday night. Connor Tracey was then ruled out with a hamstring injury, and the Bulldogs kept adjusting around that change at Accor Stadium.

Accor Stadium at 8.00pm AEST

The Bulldogs played the Storm at 8.00pm AEST, with Kiraz moving straight into the most exposed job in the backline. Jethro Rinakama joined the starting side on the wing, Marcelo Montoya returned to the team, and Jonathan Sua dropped out. Kurt Mann started at hooker, pushing Bailey Hayward back to the bench.

Storm Missing Three Origin Players

Melbourne arrived without Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero on Origin duty, which left Craig Bellamy to lean on a stripped-down squad. Keagan Russell-Smith was named at five-eighth for just his second NRL appearance, Trent Toelau was picked at hooker, and Gabriel Satrick was set for his first grade debut off the bench.

Bellamy’s Young Spine

Bellamy kept the message simple: “We’ll miss those players, but these guys get an opportunity to get to see what the NRL is all about”. He also said: “We’ve got ‘Gabe’ making his debut this weekend, Keegan has played one game two years ago, and Trent has played a couple of games. It’s great experience for them, and the biggest thing for them is not to complicate it and to play to their strengths because they know what they’re good at.”

Jaydn Su’A was cut from the Dragons team after only just returning from suspension, then ruled out with a calf injury. For Canterbury, the practical read was clear: Kiraz’s return solved one problem while creating another reshuffle, and the Bulldogs had to settle the backline quickly before kickoff.