Bulldogs team to play Penrith

Bulldogs Coach Steve Folkes has made a surprise selection in the team that will take on the Panthers at Telstra Stadium in the opening round of the 2006 NRL Premiership. Andrew Emilio will make his first grade debut for the Bulldogs off the bench.

Emelio is a Bulldogs junior who won three Jersey Flegg Grand Finals (1999, 2000, 2001) and one Premier League Grand Final (2002) for the Club. In 2003 and 2004 he played for the Sharks before having a stint in the UK in 2005 with the Widnes Vikings. He plays centre and wing.

The full team is:

1. Luke Patten
2. Hazem El Masri
3. Reni Maitua
4. Willie Tonga
5. Matt Utai
6. Daniel Holdsworth
7. Brent Sherwin
8. Chris Armit
9. Corey Hughes
10. Roy Asotasi
11. Willie Mason
12. Andrew Ryan (C)
13. Tony Grimaldi

Interchange:
14. Adam Perry
15. Mark O'Meley
16. Nate Myles
17. Andrew Emilio