The Canterbury Bulldogs have reportedly elected which player will join Matt Burton in the halves this weekend in their pre-season match.
News Corp has reported that Drew Hutchison will likely begin the game in the halfback spot for their Friday night match against the Cronulla Sharks over Toby Sexton.
This could be a valuable hint as to what direction Cameron Ciraldo is looking to go when the NRL season begins, as it will make the second week in a row that Hutchison has started over Sexton.
Recently, Sexton spoke to Zero Tackle about competing against Drew Hutchison and others for the vacant halfback position. While he didn’t start last week, he had substantial game time and was impressive in the position.
“Yeah, it is,” Sexton said when asked if the goal was to secure a spot in the halves.
“The most important thing is to have a really good preseason where I can get good reps in.
“I’m developing both physically and mentally, and I’m putting myself in the best possible stage to be able to have a good 2024, and hopefully that’s in the 17 as well.”
Viliame Kikau, a second-rower who missed the previous week, is expected to play in the game. Stephen Crichton, a prized recruit, may also make his Bulldogs debut, but his participation is uncertain.
The club wants Crichton to be fully fit for their opening match against the Parramatta Eels, so they are not willing to risk him.
Bronson Xerri is set to return to the NRL in Round 1 after a four-year absence due to a drug ban.
