'Sleepless nights' for coach after star's drug ban return

Canterbury has started its new era with a promising performance, defeating NRL heavyweights the Storm to kick off the pre-season challenge on Thursday night.

With a number of big names on deck for both sides, it was the Bulldogs who emerged victorious with a 24-12 triumph at Belmore Oval. 

The visitors led at the half-time break, but some young guns from the Dogs proved to be the difference in the second 40 minutes, while a returning speedster had some lovely touches in the centres and their new recruits starred. 

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Craig Bellamy will be disappointed with some of the efforts from his side, but there were glimpses of brilliance and two key backs on the paddock after injury lay-offs.

Here's what we learned from the first official NRL trial in 2024.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Bronson Xerri return in style

All eyes were on returning Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen on Thursday night - and the speedster showed glimpses of his best after a horror run with injuries.

In his first game back after ankle surgery, Papenhuyzen had some nice touches at the back for Melbourne, before crossing for a trademark try just before the break.

"Papenhuyzen showing that he hasn't lost any speed," Cooper Cronk said during the Fox League coverage.

The 25-year-old also set up a nice try for Dean Ieremia - who was also back on deck after an ACL injury - in the early stages, finishing off a smooth backline play.

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Papenhuyzen finished with 10 runs for 43 metres and three tackle breaks before sitting on the bench for the entire second half.

"I got through it really well ... I was confident I could get through the reps and at half-time, I wanted to go back out there," he said post-game on Fox League.

"They wanted to put me on ice and we've got a trial in Fiji next week."

On the other side of the field, Bronson Xerri had some strong moments and finished with 15 runs for 148 metres, as well as scoring a try and setting up another.

It was his first game back in NRL colours since being banned for doping in 2020.

"He's had some nice touches tonight," Michael Ennis said on Fox League.

After a four-year absence from the sport, Xerri looked every bit the future rep star many believed he would become prior to his suspension and looks likely to start the season in the centres for Canterbury this year. 

Blake Taaffe produces 'terrific' display in No.1 audition

There were plenty of question marks around Blake Taaffe heading into the pre-season challenge, but the former South Sydney utility staked his claim for the Bulldogs' No.1 jumper in an eye-catching performance.

The 24-year-old had struggled for consistent first grade appearances at the Rabbitohs in recent years, despite playing in a grand final in 2021, but has started his tenure at the Dogs in style, running for over 115 metres against Melbourne. 

Taaffe wasn't the star of the show by any means and still has room to improve, but his positional play at the back and his energy through the middle was enough to impress former Bulldogs captain Ennis.

"He's been really good," he said on Fox League.

"He has shown great energy to get to the ball on the full. He's been very well positioned tonight … he has been terrific."

Taaffe was taken from the field just after the half-time break and will likely get another crack at the fullback role next week, with Stephen Crichton and Connor Tracey also in the mix for the NRL season. 

Fresh headaches emerge for Bulldogs coach

Cameron Ciraldo will have his work cut out for him in the next few weeks, with a few sleepless nights over tough selection calls facing the Canterbury boss.

His job didn't get any easier in the club's first trial fixture, with a number of players pushing their case for a spot in the opening round.

Blake Wilson and Jeral Skelton started on the wings for the Dogs and showed plenty of promise, with both players in the mix to fill a role in the backline.

After some exciting displays in his rookie season, Wilson crossed for a nice try - standing up his opposing winger - but it was Skelton who caught plenty of attention for his powerful efforts out of trouble and nice finish in the second-half.https://twitter.com/NRL/status/1758045980480471404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"There's a touch of Greg Marzhew about him... those who follow NSW Cup know his tackle-busting ability," Fox League commentator Andrew Voss noted.

Skelton also received praise from Cooper Cronk, who believes the rugby union convert will be "a big part of the Dogs attack" after registering five tackle breaks and running for more than 100 metres against the Storm.

In the halves, Drew Hutchison got the first opportunity to partner Matt Burton and he took it with both hands, playing direct with ball in hand and offering some nice touches and flaunted his strong short kicking game.

"They look slick when they are going sideline to sideline," Cronk said.

Jaeman Salmon also started at lock and pushed his case for selection with crisp ball-playing through the middle during his time on the field, while front-row pairing Poasa Faamausili and Samuel Hughes looked the pick of the props.

Young gun Bailey Hayward showed plenty of potential at dummy-half and could be another player to keep an eye from the recent NRL battlers, while the ball-playing of playmakers Joseph O'Neill and Joash Papalii in good-ball territory was pure class.https://twitter.com/NRL/status/1758064387745517794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"Talk about speed, talk about skill - it's all very impressive," Cronk said.

Mixed bag from Storm rising star

He's still got a tough road ahead to nab a consistent NRL spot, but it was tough going for young playmaker Jonah Pezet at times on Thursday night.

The highly touted halfback started the game for the Storm, but was under pressure throughout the majority of the game from some of the Bulldogs forwards. 

However, his beautiful set-play with Papenhuyzen just before the half-time break was a showcase of his undeniable ability.

Pezet finished with 12 runs for 48 metres, while his kicking game was sound with over 500 metres despite some early jitters, including a ball that went out on the full.

The 22-year-old remains behind Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster for a starting spot, with his only chance of an opening-round spot coming off the bench.

Fijian international pushes claim for Canterbury debut

He wasn't exactly touted as a player to watch coming into the clash, but Fijian international Kitione Kautoga made the most of his opportunity.

Despite playing just one NRL game - for the Tigers in 2022 - the damaging back-rower caused headaches for the Storm in both attack and defence.

"Absolutely taking the handbrake off and putting a lot of pressure on the ball players - he's had a couple of good efforts defensively," Cronk said on Fox League.

While the stats might not show the full story, Kautoga also had a few quality carries with ball in hand, taking four carries for 43 metres.