The Bulldogs’ under 10s Red and Blue teams were selected to play a strong side from the Nowra Warriors and Wollongong’s top team, the Thirroul Butchers, as part of a pre-match exhibition game for the NRL St George Illawarra Dragons and North Queensland Cowboys clash.     

Although they played a shortened game, the young players showed plenty of Bulldogs pride and produced a lot of grunt as they did their area proud in front of captivated Dragons and Cowboys supporters. 

Although everyone put in a solid performance, standouts were Jake "The Mus" Thelander, who was a wrecking ball, Ryan Smith, Frankie Pirrello, Coby Whitburn, Lochie Davies, Elijah Pryde, Koby Lord and Blake D'Ombrain.

Jake Thelander was awarded man of the match for his game and was even commended by rugby league legend Wendell Sailor, who, according to under 10s coach Scott D’Ombrain, commented on Jake’s star potential.

“We were definitely on a high and the kids were extremely excited to play,” Scott said after the match.

The players got to experience what it was like to be an NRL player on and off the field while meeting Dragons development staff, cheerleaders, Happy the Dragon and State of Origin and Dragons player Joel Thompson.

Some lucky junior Bulldogs players even got to run out with the Dragons team.

“All in all it was a great night for junior footy and really showcased our club’s potential, professionalism, and passion for junior footy in the Milton Ulladulla,” Scott said.

“A big thank you to all the players and parents who made the trip up.”