Bulldogs announce friendlies

Canterbury have announced friendlies against NRL Grand Finalists St George and Sydney ahead of the competition’s opening round in March.

The Bulldogs will also come up against NSW Cup side Newtown Jets before their season opener with Wests Tigers.

After kicking off proceedings against the Roosters on February 12, the Bulldogs will face St George on February 18.

The Bulldogs will be the last side to face the Dragons before the premiers fly to the UK to take on Super League champions Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge on February 27.

For coach Kevin Moore the friendlies will be a stern test before the rigourous NRL season kicks off.

“It’s been some time since we’ve played three trial matches leading into an NRL season, and we think that a full program will prepare us very well for the challenges ahead,” Moore said.

“The three teams we are playing are all high quality. Playing both Grand Finalists six days apart is a bit of a novelty and while there will be bit of chopping and changing with line-ups, it’ll give us a barometer on where we’re at with our preparation.”