In just over a fortnight, the Canterbury Bulldogs will kick off their 2024 campaign, aiming to secure a coveted spot in the top eight and return to the finals arena.
With a completely revamped roster compared to last season, coach Cameron Ciraldo faces a challenging task in selecting the team’s attacking leaders, an area where they struggled in the previous year.
Matt Burton is set to retain the number six jersey, yet there remains speculation about his partner in the halves. Among contenders like Blake Taaffe, Connor Tracey, Jaeman Salmon, Jake Turpin, and Kurt Mann, two names have emerged as primary contenders: Drew Hutchison and Toby Sexton.
In their inaugural trial match against the Melbourne Storm, Hutchison started in the halves, while Sexton also showcased his talents in significant game time, impressing observers.
Speaking to Zero Tackle, Sexton expressed his ambition to secure a spot in the halves, emphasizing the importance of a rigorous preseason to prepare himself for a successful 2024 season and potentially earning a place in the match-day squad.
Despite the fierce competition for positions, Sexton views it positively, believing it fosters healthy competition within the club, which can lead to greater success.
The battle for positions extends beyond the halfback role, with uncertainties surrounding the fullback position, backline selections, and interchange bench choices. As of now, only a handful of players, including Stephen Crichton, Josh Addo-Carr, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Reed Mahoney, and future captain Jacob Preston, have solidified their spots in the Round 1 lineup.
Coach Ciraldo has emphasized that every player must earn their place, fostering a competitive environment where each squad member vies for selection. While this presents a challenge, Sexton sees it as a positive aspect, ensuring that the team will have depth and quality, even if it means some deserving players miss out on selection.
