Bulldogs Eye Consecutive Titles in Grand Final

bulldogsmedia — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:05:50 +0000

Bulldogs Eye Consecutive Titles in Grand Final

Author : bulldogs.com.au

Bulldogs Eye Consecutive Titles in Grand Final at CommBank Stadium

The Canterbury Bulldogs’ next crop of stars take centre stage on Sunday in the Jersey Flegg grand final against Cronulla at CommBank Stadium.

Hear from Coach Josh Jackson on players to watch:

It’s already been a massive season for a resurgent Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The end of a seven-year NRL finals drought brought the fans back, but it’s in the pathways where the Club continues to tick the right boxes.

This Sunday, Club legend Josh Jackson will aim to guide Canterbury’s Jersey Flegg outfit to consecutive titles when the Bulldogs meet Cronulla in the under-21s grand final.

While they knocked over the Sharks in both encounters this season, Jackson wasn’t about to get ahead of himself in his first season as head coach.

“Cronulla are a very impressive side, they’ve won nine straight and were outstanding last week against a strong Canberra outfit. We will definitely have our work cut out for us on the weekend,” said Jackson.
Match: Bulldogs v Sharks

Grand Final – Sunday 29th September @ 11:00am

Bulldogs vs Sharks

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Match broadcasters:

NSWRL TV
Nine Now

With a handful of players backing up from last season’s 22-20 grand final victory over the Roosters, the Bulldogs are well placed to repeat Penrith’s back-to-back success in 2006-07.

“Quite a few of the boys were part of last year’s squad, which certainly helped out this year at training and with setting standards.,” said Jackson.

“And I guess it’s good going into this weekend having those guys because they know what the week is all about.”

While underage success is nice to have on the resume, it’s the development of NRL talent that is Canterbury’s biggest win.

A key member from the 2023 Premiership winning team, backrower Harry Hayes is one of several from the Flegg program to debut in Cameron Ciraldo’s top grade outfit this season.

“Jonathan Sua is another, he started this year in Flegg and made his first grade debut on the wing a few weeks ago which was pretty special for the group to see,” Jackson explained.

Prop forward Lipoi Hopoi is another one from last year’s grand final winning team that made his first great debut this year, and five-eighth Joseph O’Neill had a full season of NSW Cup.

So the boys can certainly see the opportunities are there.

For Jackson, now on the other side of a well resourced juniors program, it’s the efforts of lesser known club diehards that have been just as impressive in Canterbury’s success across the board in both men’s and women’s competitions.

“The club have done a great job in the way that they’ve set up the pathways, but we’ve also got great people that work full time who give up their time as well,” he said.

“They don’t really have any skin in the game, so to speak, but they just want to help kids achieve their dreams.

“Since coming back, it’s been one of the most impressive aspects, just the amount of people who love the Club and volunteer their own time.”

Ahead of Sunday’s big clash, here’s several Bulldogs to keep an eye on:

Cassius Tia (HALFBACK)

As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

A member of last season’s losing Roosters side, Cassius arrived at Belmore with a strong mindset and worked his backside off during the pre-season. Super fit, the halfback works well in tandem with fellow halves partner Joseph Teaupa.

No stranger to delivering in clutch moments, the No. 7 kicked the Bulldogs to the decider with an extra time field goal against Canberra.

Taye Cochrane (FULLBACK)

One of Canterbury’s shining lights, Taye is North Coast product who has been rewarded for his hard work.

Had limited chances in SG Ball (under-19s) last season and joined the Flegg squad this year after several impressive games in Ron Massey Cup. A natural competitor, the No. 1 always pushes up in support and is young enough to feature again in 2025.

Reuben Moyle (HOOKER)

One of several Bulldogs player shooting for consecutive titles, Reuben is a former half who continues to thrive in the No. 9 jersey.

A tough defender who can light up the ruck, the hooker has also held his own in seven NSW Cup appearances.

Fahmy Toilalo (LOCK)

A key piece in the puzzle to combating a big and mobile Sharks pack, Fahmy will draw on the experience he gained coming off the bench in the 2023 grand final.

Missed a chunk of games earlier in the season with a broken jaw, but has quickly found his feet. Has a great work ethic and big engine.

Ratu Rinakama (WING)

A serious strike weapon out wide, the flying winger played in last season’s premiership winning Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s) side, and earlier this year scored a try for Canterbury in the SG Ball decider.

Pack Out Commbank Stadium for the Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final!

The 2024 Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final will kick off at 11am on Sunday, September 29 at Commbank Stadium.

Members and supporters who are unable to attend will be able to watch the match via live stream on NSWRLTV.

Article originally published as ‘Jersey Flegg: Bulldogs production line rolls on in hunt for U21s title’, courtesy Jason Hosken, The Daily Telegraph

National Finals Action Photo Galleries

CommBank Stadium secured for Junior Reps Grand Finals

nswrlmedia — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 13:52:36 +0000

CommBank Stadium secured for Junior Reps Grand Finals

Author : NSWRL

CommBank Stadium secured for Junior Reps Grand Finals

The NSWRL is pleased to announce that it has secured one of Australia’s leading sporting venues, CommBank Stadium, to host its Junior Representatives Grand Final Day on Saturday 30 April.

The showpiece event will include the deciders for the SG Ball Cup (Under 19s), Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s Women’s) and Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s).

It is the first time in three years the Grand Finals for the Junior Representative competitions have been held at CommBank Stadium.

With the 2020 edition abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s matches being staged at Leichhardt Oval.

“The Junior Representatives competitions play an important role in the journey for any player and there are plenty of Rugby League stars who started their careers in them,” NSWRL CEO David Trodden said.

World-class facility

“It’s fitting that the seasons for the leading teams in the SG Ball Cup, Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup and Harold Matthews Cup are held at a world-class facility.

Players are given every opportunity to showcase the skills that helped get them there.”

CommBank Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said he was delighted that the future stars of Rugby League would be on show at the home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney.

“Mark down Saturday 30 April as a special day on the sporting calendar in NSW with three Junior Rep Grand Finals back-to-back at CommBank Stadium,” he said.

“While CommBank Stadium is well known for hosting NRL footy.

It was ultimately built for the fans and the community and the NSWRL’s Junior Representative Grand Final Day is the highlight of the season for so many emerging stars of the game.

“It will be a special occasion for the players and their families, but also a great opportunity for people across NSW to come and see Junior Rugby League at its best.”

The last time the Junior Representatives Grand Finals were held at CommBank Stadium saw plenty of action with two of the contests going right down right to the wire.

Illawarra Steelers upset Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 34-23 in the SG Ball Cup with a try in the final two minutes sealing the win.

While the Steelers downed the Newcastle Knights 24-12 in the Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup again with a try in the final two minutes proving the decisive moment.

Junior Reps Grand Finals Archives - OurFootyTeam

Bulldogs Eye Consecutive Titles in Grand Final