Sonny makes his debut

Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs coach, Steve Folkes, has named young sensation Sonny Bill Williams in the centres for this Saturday's round one NRL blockbuster against the Parramatta Eels. Williams will make his first grade debut alongside new recruit Willie Tonga in the centres.

Folkes has named former Raiders back Jamaal Lolesi on the wing after two sensational performances for the Bulldogs in their two trial games.

Braith Anasta has been named at lock with youngster Johnathan Thurston getting the chance to partner Brent Sherwin in the Halves.

Dennis Scott gets a start with the absence of Mark O'Meley due to an eye socket injury.

Others unavailable for selection were Ben Harris (shoulder injury) and Matt Utai (suspension).

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC BULLDOGS TEAM (Rd 1 vs Parramatta)

1 LUKE PATTEN 2 HAZEM EL MASRI 3 SONNY BILL WILLIAMS 4 WILLIE TONGA 5 JAMAAL LOLESI 6 JOHNATHAN THURSTON 7 BRENT SHERWIN 8 DENNIS SCOTT 9 COREY HUGHES 10 STEVEN PRICE 11 WILLIE MASON 12 ANDREW RYAN 13 BRAITH ANASTA

Interchange 14 TONY GRIMALDI 15 ROY ASOTASI 16 JAMIE FEENEY 17 HUTCH MAIAVA 18 GLEN HUGHES (one to be ommitted)

Coach Steve Folkes