Bulldogs recall Williams for Manly clash
Bulldog Sonny Bill Williams will replace injured centre Willie Tonga this Friday night against the Manly Sea
Eagles. Williams missed last Friday's match against the Broncos after resting a minor knee injury.
Last season Sonny was unavailable due to both knee and ankle injuries and managed just five appearances all
season. 2006 however has seen the 21-year-old play 17 matches in both the forward back and alongside Hazem El
Masri after making his long-awaited return back in Round 6 against South Sydney at Telstra Stadium.
The inclusion of rookie Jarrad Hickey is one of many changes to last weeks losing side. After serving a
one-match suspension incurred whilst playing in Premier League, Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has opted to go
with the 195cm giant in a bid to sustain size up front.
| Bulldogs Team |
| 1. | Luke Patten |
| 2. | Hazem El Masri |
| 3. | Andrew Emelio |
| 4. | Sonny Bill Williams |
| 5. | Matt Utai |
| 6. | Daniel Holdsworth |
| 7. | Brent Sherwin |
| 8. | Mark O'Meley |
| 9. | Corey Hughes |
| 10. | Chris Armit |
| 11. | Nate Myles |
| 12. | Andrew Ryan (c) |
| 13. | Reni Maitua |
| Reserve Bench |
| 14. | Dallas McIlwain |
| 15. | Adam Perry |
| 16. | Brad Morrin |
| 17. | Jarrad Hickey |
Hickey has played five first grade matches so far this season, debuting against the Sharks back in Round 11
while his most recent appearance was in Round 20 against the Roosters.
After signing a five-year deal with South Sydney in July, Roy Asotasi shifted focus to winning a
premiership with the Bulldogs in his final year at the club.
However yesterday Asotasi was informed he may not play for the blue-and-whites again unless his team mates
qualify for the grand final on October 1 after scans revealed an incomplete tear of the left medial
ligament.
Willie Mason will miss the final two matches of the regular season after he today took the early guilty
plea in regards to the grade 2 reckless high tackle charged handed out by the NRL judiciary yesterday.
Tony Grimaldi will also miss the match on Friday after an old neck injury surfaced after Friday's loss to
Brisbane.
Meanwhile, The Manly Sea Eagles have announced that all reserved seating for this Friday Night's match
between the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval has sold out.
There are plenty of general admission tickets still available and the club strongly advises that all fans
pre-purchase tickets from Ticketek prior to the match and arrive at the game early to avoid queues.
Families are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the no alcohol EnergyAustralia Family Hill.
NRL Premiership - Round 25
Manly vs Bulldogs
Brookvale Oval, Sydney
Friday Night, August 25
Kick-Off: 7:35pm (local time)
Replay on Channel 9 from 8:30pm (NSW/QLD), and Fox Sports from 11:00pm (AEST).
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