Bulldogs to mark Patten’s departure

Canterbury fans will mark fullback Luke Patten‘s long period of service on Monday by wearing specially-created hats and t-shirts at the Bulldogs’ clash with Penrith.

Patten, 30, made his debut for the Bulldogs in 2001 and has played 223 of his 279 NRL matches for the club.

The game with Penrith at ANZ stadium on Monday night will be Patten’s final home match in a Bulldogs jersey

To mark the occasion the Bulldogs have commissioned commemorative “Salute The General” t-shirts and imitation army helmets bearing with Patten’s number 1.

Patten’s moniker “The General” was coined by clubmates after the great US World War II leader George Smith Patton.

“I am not overly emotional but last weekend I started thinking how it was my last trip away with the boys,” Patten said. “This week is the final home game and the week after the final game in the Blue and White.

“No doubt I will get emotional and shed a tear at some stage because the Bulldogs has been a huge part of my life, it has pretty much been my life.

“I hope everyone gets out to the game on Monday. Hazem El Masri’s farewell game last year was special to be a part of so I just hope the fans can get out there for my send off.”

Ben Hannant is set to make his return from injury in the clash with the Panthers although the Bulldogs will be without David Stagg and Dene Halatau.