Matt Bowen’s nephew Dwayne Ludwick inks two year deal with NRL club Canterbury Bulldogs

A Marist College Ashgrove 2021 Old Boy has inked a deal with an NRL club. See the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs newest recruit who not only possesses a deadly goose step but is the relative of an NRL legend.

The 18-year-old nephew of Matt Bowen watches highlights of the North Queensland Cowboys legend before bumping off and goose stepping defenders on the footy pitch.

Fullback Dwayne Ludwick, 2021 Old Boy of Marist College Ashgrove, only began his rugby league journey last year and it hasn’t taken long for scouts to detect the makings of an NRL star.

The apprentice chippy starred in the Ashgrove First XV for three years but once he left he decided it was time for a change, taking his talents to the Beenleigh Pride in the Brisbane Rugby League competition.

No.14 Dwayne Ludwick, played for Marist College Ashgrove’s First XV as a Year 10 student. (Image AAP/Steve Pohlner)

He had his first taste of league in the First XIII schoolboy rugby season last year and has not looked back, the Hope Vale product signing a two year deal with the Bulldogs to play for their Jersey Flegg side in S.G Ball competition which is played in New South Wales.

Ludwick was humbled by the opportunity, just as shocked as anyone only one year into their rugby league journey would be after being given the chance to move to Sydney, sharpen their skills and begin their professional career.

Ludwick will fly down to Sydney on Friday where he will stay with his Auntie, which he said was “very comforting.”

He had been living with Auntie Kia and uncle Brenton Bowen in Brisbane, who were “real supportive and super excited” for the youngsters next chapter.

Ludwick said: “I am very excited. I am most excited just to get back out on the pitch and play.

“Hopefully I can play my best footy and make the main side one day. Even though I only started playing in 2021, it feels like a long time coming.”

Recently he has been perfecting his craft with the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Colts side.

Ludwick has watched the same highlight reel of his uncle Matt before every game he has ever played, and if you watch him play it isn’t hard to tell.

Marist College Ashgrove supporters were treated to an array of dazzling steps, kick-and-chase efforts, unbelievable offloads and bone rattling hits in his three years in their First XV team.

Ashgrove's Dwayne Ludwick pictured tackling during the Ashgrove v St Patrick's College Rugby Union Firsts, Marist College, Brisbane 11th of May 2019. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

He said he models his game off Matt, whether it be his stepping ability, eyes up footy, speed off the ball or just trampling over players.

Ludwick’s step could undo even the greatest defensive teams so there’s little wonder why the young gun who turns 19 next month has been sought after by the Bulldogs.

ENDS.