EXCLUSIVE: Bulldogs GM Phil Gould exposes key challenges for club as injuries plague outside backs

The Bulldogs will have to leverage their depth in the outside backs as they prepare for the opening round of the season, following a worrying injury update from general manager Phil Gould.

During an appearance on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast, Gould disclosed that Jacob Kiraz has been unable to train throughout the pre-season due to a back injury that kept him out of the Pacific Championships.

Additionally, he shared that new recruit Enari Tuala has encountered a significant setback just before the season kicks off.

“Jacob Kiraz hasn’t trained at all over the summer and won’t be ready for the start of the season. Then, last week, our new signing from Newcastle (Tuala), who was training excellently, fractured his foot during practice, so he’s not available,” Gould stated.

Due to the injuries, the Bulldogs saw a number of promising young talents take the field during their trial against the Tigers.

Ratu Jehtro Rinakama and Jonathan Sua both featured on the wings, each scoring tries, while Ragarive Wavik had a try disallowed by the Bunker.

Gould spoke highly of Rinakama, who is still eligible to compete in the under-19s SG Ball competition.

“He’s a fantastic young player, very intelligent as well, currently studying engineering. He was SG Ball age last year and played in the SG Ball competition as a first-year player … he then participated in the Jersey Flegg finals series,” he elaborated.

“In yesterday’s match, with Jonathan Sua, who made one appearance last season, and Jethro, they’re certainly prospects for the future.”