The highly-anticipated debut of Bulldogs playmaker Karl Oloapu has left many in the rugby league world impressed, with the teenage sensation helping the side to a shock win over St George Illawarra.
With a host of first graders on the sideline due to injury, the wounded Canterbury outfit took the trip down to Wollongong and came away with a crucial two points, finishing 18-16 victors over a disappointing Dragons side.
Josh Addo-Carr, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Kiraz and Luke Thompson were among those missing for the spirited Round 9 clash, but that wasn't enough to stop the gritty Dogs from escaping with the important win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo was full of praise for the side's effort in the face of adversity.
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“I’m really happy for Karl that he got to have his debut and experience a win – and a really special win at that," he said.
"What made me happy was the grit we showed again. I’ve said it a few times, we have been tough and we keep hanging in there, but we don’t go for the kill or go for the win at times.
"I thought we found a bit of that tonight, we found our identity on both sides of the ball and that’s what pleased me the most."
Jake Averillo starred out wide for the Dogs, crossing for two long-range tries and cementing himself as the club's long-term option at right centre, while the influence of experienced campaigner Josh Reynolds in the first-half helped set up the game for the visitors.
Oloapu finished with 76 run metres, one offload and one linebreak in an eye-catching display, leaving his coach impressed and optimistic for the future.
“I think he did pretty well tonight and I’m keen to keep exploring that with him," Ciraldo said.
"We were never going to throw him in just for one week...he has come here to go on a journey with us and we are excited about where that journey can go.
"He is going to learn a lot out of tonight as well – we’re going to help him through that process and it’s going to be a rollercoaster for him. We’ve got a good club and good people around him to support him.
"That’s the first time Karl and Burto have ever played together – they were a little bit rusty at times, but they will get better with every training session and every game they get.
"I enjoyed how it went tonight."
How old is Karl Oloapu?
Bulldogs rookie Karl Oloapu is 18 years old.
He was born on January 18th, 2005 in Wellington, New Zealand.
What position is Karl Oloapu?
Canterbury young gun Karl Oloapu predominantly plays five-eighth or halfback, but also has the size and ability to play in the centres or back-row.
Karl Oloapu contract
Karl Oloapu signed a massive four-year deal with the Bulldogs heading into this year, keeping him at Belmore until at least the end of 2026.
The club paid a $500,000 transfer fee to the Broncos in order to acquire Oloapu's services for 2023.
