Already struggling with player numbers after Phillip Tao and James Smith pulled out in the warm-up, front rower Palu Tonga was dogged by a serious shoulder injury and centre Jarrod Keelan went down with a knee injury within the first five minutes.

Injured Bulldogs co-coach Luke Berkrey thought it was a big all round effort by the club to get through the day after having only 12 fresh first graders at their disposal.

“We actually finished the game with one sub on the sideline,” Berkrey said.

He’s hopeful playmaker Shannon Ruparare will be back from his knee injury following the club’s bye.