Before they take the field this Saturday for our first Pre-Season Challenge clash, get to know the players wearing the famous Blue and White this weekend!
Taye Cochrane, 21
An exciting and competitive fullback that’s been in the Bulldogs system for the last couple of years and was a part of the Club’s 2024 Jersey Flegg premiership-winning team. After featuring in the 2025 Pre-season Challenge, Cochrane went on to play both Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup last season.
Cooper Toy, 20
A speedy outside back who joined the Club’s Jersey Flegg squad from the Roosters last year. Toy –who featured in last year’s Pre-season Challenge -began training with the NRL squad in January and has impressed quickly.
Sosaia Alatini, 19
One of the Club’s Supplementary players for 2026, Sosaia Alatini is a versatile centre who is equally at home in the second row. He was scouted in New Zealand as a teenager before moving to Australia to finish his schooling while playing in the Bulldogs’ Harold Matthews team. Alatini has progressed through the grades and hopes to make his NSW Cup debut this year.
Jed Reardon, 20
Jed Reardon - son of Bulldogs great Steve Reardon - is capable of playing centre or in the second row. He joined the Club in 2023, was a part of the 2024 premiership-winning Jersey Flegg side and has impressed in his first NRL pre-season.
Jonathan Sua Try
Jonathan Su'a, 21
The local junior moved into the Top 30 this year and will be hunting more opportunities after making his NRL debut in the final round of the 2024 season.The towering winger has a knack for finding the line with 33 tries in 37 NSW Cup appearances.
Joseph Teaupa, 20
An emerging playmaker, Joseph Teaupa was part of the Club’s 2024 premiership-winning Jersey Flegg team. While still eligible for Flegg, Teaupa stepped up to play five NSW Cup games last year and has been rewarded with his first NRL pre-season.
Alex Conti, 19
The young halfback joined the Club a couple of years ago and has impressed while coming through the grades. Conti, who excelled in junior rugby union, has a great footy IQ and will be pushing to make his NSW Cup debut in 2026.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 26
After missing most of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury, Daniel Suluka-Fifita became Bulldog no. 870 when he made his Club debut in Round 1, 2025. A hulking front rower, 'DSF' made a strong impression last year and will be looking for more first-grade opportunities in 2026.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong, 24
After plying his trade at the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Gordon Chan Kum Tong - a Bulldogs junior - has returned home for the 2026 season. The hooker has 14 NRL games under his belt and will be hunting a Club debut this year.
Sam Hughes, 24
Quiet achiever Sam Hughes has gone about his business to become an impressive member of the forward pack in the last 18 months.The De La Salle Caringbah junior is known for his high work ethic and no-nonsense approach.
Alekolasimi 'AJ' Jones, 21
‘AJ’ Jones is a player to watch. The versatile forward - who has been in the Club’s Pathways system since he was 17 - has impressed in his second NRL pre-season and will be looking to break through to potentially make his NRL debut in 2026.
Logan Spinks, 20
Another exciting prospect for the Bulldogs, Logan Spinks arrived to Belmore via the Club’s Greater Northern Academy. The former Australian Schoolboy is a skilful edge forward who runs a great line.
Lipoi Hopoi, 23
Local junior Lipoi Hopoi impressed in his debut season in 2024 with a seamless transition into the top grade. Powerful through the middle with an unrivalled leg drive, Hopoi was a reliable squad member in 2025 and was rewarded with his first NRL try in Round 12. After moving into the Top 30 this year, Hopoi will be chasing more opportunities in first grade.
First NRL Try For Lipoi Hopoi!
Fletcher Baker, 25
The former Bronco and Rooster has arrived to Belmore looking to press the reset button after an injury-riddled 2025. Baker - one of the Club’s Supplementary players - has brought size and maturity, as well as a desire to learn.
Sosefo Finau, 19
Westfield Sports High product Sosefo Finau is a powerful forward and features in the Pre-season Challenge after an impressive pre-season with the Senior Pathways squad.
Zyon Maiu'u, 22
After joining the Club from the Warriors this time last year, Zyon Maiu’u has got his first full pre-season as a Bulldog under his belt –and is better for it. The powerful forward has impressed over the summer and will be pushing for a Club debut in 2026.
Aaymon Fitzgibbon, 18
At just 18-years old, Aaymon Fitzgibbon is the youngest in the Pre-season Challenge squad - but boasts maturity beyond his years. The son of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon joined the Bulldogs from the Dragons and has been training with the NRL squad. He is a utility back that can cover fullback, centre or five-eighth.
Jack Underhill, 21
With his towering frame and blonde locks you won’t miss Jack Underhill. The Sunshine Coast product has a big motor to match his big body and trains full time as one of the Club’s Supplementary players.
Raymond Puru, 20
Ray Puru is a new face at Belmore after joining the Club from the Titans’ system. The dynamic fullback starred for Queensland in last year’s Under 19s Origin win and will be looking to make his mark in Jersey Flegg this year.
Hamish Wilson, 20
A product of the Club’s North Coast program, talented centre Hamish Wilson has been in the Bulldogs system for a few years and was a part of the SG Ball side that made the Grand Final in 2024.
Jope Rauqe, 19
An exciting prospect that’s already reached international honours, Jope has certainly made his mark at Belmore. The athletic outside back was a try-scorer in the Club’s premiership-winning Harold Matthews side in 2023 and last year made his debut for Fiji in the Pacific Championships.
Michael Nasser, 19
Joined the Bulldogs mid-2025 after winning the SG Ball premiership with the Roosters. An exciting winger that will feature in the Club’s Jersey Flegg side throughout 2026.
Justin Matamua, 22
Samoan International Justin Matamua has joined the Club after playing 14 NRL games for the Wests Tigers between 2022-2024. The 22-year-old is most at home at lock, but boasts the skill to also slot in at five-eighth.
Bud Smith, 20
Hard-working middle Bud Smith is the son of former Bulldog and 1995 premiership-winner Jason Smith. The 20-year-old, who was previously part of Queensland’s Under 18 Emerging Origin squad, made the move from Toowoomba to Belmore a couple of years ago and hasn’t looked back.
Bailey Myers, 20
Local junior Bailey Myers has been impressing while coming up the ranks and was theClub’s Harold Matthews Player of the Year in 2022. Previously a lock, Myers has been more recently developing his game at hooker.
Louis Grossemy, 22
French International Louis Grossemy joined the Club last year fresh off winning the Rabbitohs’ Jersey Flegg Player of the Year award. The hard-working edge-forward will feature in the NSW Cup side throughout 2026 before hopefully suiting up for France in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
