ROBUST forward Wayne Parker will make a welcome return to the Cootamundra Bulldogs ranks when they take on premiership contenders the Tumut Blues at Twickenham tomorrow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The teenager, with one of the best workloads of any players in the competition, has been one of the Bulldogs best in what has been a disappointing season, but has been forced to sit out the past two matches after suffering a nasty cut above the eye in the round 11 clash against Kangaroos.
Parker will slot straight back into the starting side at front row, while another teenager Joe Ward is expected to make his debut for the club.
Ward, who is away at boarding school, spent the pre-season training with the Bulldogs and, having celebrated his 17th birthday during the week, is now eligible to pull on a senior grade jumper for the first time.
Ward could be thrust straight into the starting line up in the halves or may start the game from the bench.
It will be successive weeks for senior debuts after Brendan Kelleher, son of club president Peter, had his first game of reserve grade against Gundagai after also reaching the minimum age requirement.
The Bulldogs are still searching for their elusive first win of the season, but the task does not get any easier against a Tumut side that knocked over fellow title contenders South City last weekend.
Having been able to match it with most sides for periods of the games this season, the Bulldogs will require an 80-minute performance if they are to return from the foot of the mountains with a win.
With Tumut not fielding a leaguetag side, there will only be two games tomorrow, with the Bulldogs reserve grade side able to consolidate its place in third spot on the ladder with victory over the cellar-dwelling Blues.
A reminder Old Boys Day will be held on Sunday, July 28 when the Bulldogs take on Brothers.
Also making news:
