Matt Frawley’s journey from Raiders scrapheap to Bulldogs saviour

TWO years ago Matt Frawley’s career was nearly finished. Now he’s lead Canterbury to one of their most important victories.

UNWANTED by Canberra with his career facing a premature end, Matt Frawley was handed a lifeline by Des Hasler at Canterbury.

Two years on, the unknown halfback repaid the faith from a besieged Hasler in an unlikely reversal of circumstances.

The 22-year-old showed composure well beyond his years to steer the Bulldogs to a pressure-relieving 10-7 win over competition heavyweights Brisbane on Thursday night.

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In torrential conditions at ANZ Stadium, Frawley provided a series of sublime fifth tackle options that the Dogs had lacked in the opening stages of the season.

His role in the side proved the perfect foil for Josh Reynolds, who looked a new player without the added responsibility of controlling the team.

Frawley was excellent on debut for the Bulldogs.

Had it not been for Hasler and recently departed recruitment boss Noel Cleal, he may never have experienced his dream to play in the NRL.

“At the end of the under 20s I didn’t really have much to be honest,” Frawley said after his successful debut.

“The Raiders weren’t going to offer me anything, maybe a part-time gig with the Mounties.

“The Dogs came in with an offer pretty late with two years fulltime, as soon as they offered I took it.

“When I signed I had a chat to Des and he sort of just told me what he wanted out of me.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to have played for anyone else.”

With the return of Moses Mbye from a one-week suspension, the Bulldogs coach has a welcome selection headache for next Friday’s clash with Newcastle. However, Frawley is realistic about his prospects.

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“Moses will come in, he’s the halfback of the team so he’ll slot straight back in.

“I’m just happy to get one game under the belt.

“I’ll try take every opportunity I can get, whether it’s next week, in a couple of weeks or whenever it might come along.”