Jersey Flegg: Bulldogs eye consecutive titles in grand final at CommBank Stadium
The Canterbury Bulldogs’ next crop of stars take centre stage on Sunday in the Jersey Flegg grand final against Cronulla at CommBank Stadium. Hear from coach Josh Jackson, players to watch.
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It’s already been a massive season for a resurgent Canterbury Bulldogs. The end of a seven-year NRL finals drought brought the fans back, but it’s in the pathways where the club continues to tick the right boxes.
This Sunday, club legend Josh Jackson will aim to guide Canterbury’s Jersey Flegg outfit to consecutive titles when the Bulldogs meet Cronulla in the under-21s grand final.
While they knocked over the Sharks in both encounters this season, Jackson wasn’t about to get ahead of himself in his first season as head coach.
“Cronulla are a very impressive side, they’ve won nine straight and were outstanding last week against a strong Canberra outfit. We will definitely have our work cut out for us on the weekend,” said Jackson.
With a handful of players backing up from last season’s 22-20 grand final victory over the Roosters, the Bulldogs are well placed to repeat Penrith’s back-to-back success in 2006-07.
“Quite a few of the boys were part of last year’s squad, which certainly helped out this year at training and with setting standards.,” said Jackson. “And I guess it’s good going into this weekend having those guys because they know what the week is all about.”
While underage success is nice to have on the resume, it’s the development of NRL talent that is Canterbury’s biggest win. A key member from the 2023 premiership winning team, backrower Harry Hayes is one of several from the Flegg program to debut in Cameron Ciraldo’s top grade outfit this season.
“Jonathan Sua is another, he started this year in Flegg and made his first grade debut on the wing a few weeks ago which was pretty special for the group to see,” Jackson explained.
“Prop forward Lipoi Hopoi is another one from last year’s grand final winning team that made his first great debut this year, and five-eighth Joseph O’Neill had a full season of NSW Cup. So the boys can certainly see the opportunities are there.”
For Jackson, now on the other side of a well resourced juniors program, it’s the efforts of lesser known club diehards that have been just as impressive in Canterbury’s success across the board in both men’s and women’s competitions.
“The club have done a great job in the way that they’ve set up the pathways, but we’ve also got great people that work full time who give up their time as well,” he said.
“They don’t really have any skin in the game, so to speak, but they just want to help kids achieve their dreams.
“Since coming back, it’s been one of the most impressive aspects, just the amount of people who love the club and volunteer their own time.”
Ahead of Sunday’s big clash, here’s several Bulldogs to keep an eye on.
CASSIUS TIA (HALFBACK)
As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.
A member of last season’s losing Roosters side, Cassius arrived at Belmore with a strong mindset and worked his backside off during the pre-season. Super fit, the halfback works well in tandem with fellow halves partner Joseph Teaupa.
No stranger to delivering in clutch moments, the No. 7 kicked the Bulldogs to the decider with an extra time field goal against Canberra.
TAYE COCHRANE (FULLBACK)
One of Canterbury’s shining lights, Taye is North Coast product who has been rewarded for his hard work.
Had limited chances in SG Ball (under-19s) last season and joined the Flegg squad this year after several impressive games in Ron Massey Cup. A natural competitor, the No. 1 always pushes up in support and is young enough to feature again in 2025.
REUBEN MOYLE (HOOKER)
One of several Bulldogs player shooting for consecutive titles, Reuben is a former half who continues to thrive in the No. 9 jersey.
A tough defender who can light up the ruck, the hooker has also held his own in seven NSW Cup appearances.
FAHMY TOILALO (LOCK)
A key piece in the puzzle to combating a big and mobile Sharks pack, Fahmy will draw on the experience he gained coming off the bench in the 2023 grand final.
Missed a chunk of games earlier in the season with a broken jaw, but has quickly found his feet. Has a great work ethic and big engine.
RATU RINAKAMA (WING)
A serious strike weapon out wide, the flying winger played in last season’s premiership winning Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s) side, and earlier this year scored a try for Canterbury in the SG Ball decider.
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