Bulldogs coach Des Hasler to name debutant halfback Matt Frawley for huge clash with Broncos

CANTERBURY coach Des Hasler is poised to gamble on a debutant halfback for Thursday night’s massive match against Brisbane at ANZ Stadium.

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CANTERBURY coach Des Hasler is poised to gamble on an unknown halfback on debut for Thursday night’s massive match against Brisbane at ANZ Stadium.

Under pressure after last weekend’s horrendous 36-0 loss the Manly, Hasler has Matt Frawley, 22, pencilled in for a game in which Bulldogs must rebound — or face further intense scrutiny.

Frawley has played 84 matches in the NSW Cup at two clubs — but never played an NRL game.

Frawley played his junior football for Belconnen United in Canberra but has spent the past two years at Canterbury.

Hasler has several options and Frawley’s selection isn’t guaranteed but it is understood he is a prime candidate to replace regular halfback Moses Mbye, who has copped a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge on Manly forward Curtis Sironen.

Frawley has plenty of support at the Bulldogs with teammates adamant the youngster wouldn’t be overawed in such a big match.

It is unknown just yet whether Hasler would start candidate Frawley alongside Josh Reynolds or bring him off the bench.

Hasler will name his side on Tuesday afternoon.

Matt Frawley looks set for a huge debut against Brisbane. Photo: Mathew Farrell

Frawley made headlines in 2013 when he was sidelined for three months following a sickening shoulder charge during a Holden Cup game. He was taken to hospital by ambulance suffering from bruising on the brain.

Then then 18-years-old spent two nights in Canberra hospital’s neurology ward after suffering convulsions on the ground.

Having refocused and re-energised his career, Frawley is now ready for the game of his life.

The Bulldogs desperately need some spark after a lethargic performance last week — and Frawley could be just the man to deliver it.

Frawley played 36 NYC games for Canberra in 2013 and 2014 and one NSW Cup game for Mounties. He moved to Canterbury is 2015 and has played 48 NSW Cup games.

While playing with Canberra, Frawley worked in a retail store.

Matt Frawley pictured at home during his recovering from brain bruising in 2013.

He told the Bulldogs website: “My first job was in retail, selling clothes. Away from football, I like to spend time with my family and friends.”

Canterbury players have come under fire this week for their substandard effort against Manly.

The big-name Dogs pack simply didn’t aim up, prompting former Canterbury star Michael Hagan to declare: “The players aren’t looking after him. Des is arguably the most loyal coach in the game to his players. I don’t know that that is being repaid by his players, based on how they played on Sunday. Des signed them all and got the players there so they just have to aim up.”

Brisbane will start red-hot favourites but punters and critics are more than aware about the perils of dismissing a Bulldogs side under-siege.

Matt Frawley was sidelined after this shoulder charge.

He was sidelined for three months after the game.

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