Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cam Ciraldo expects rookie Hayze Perham to have a huge first year in the blue and white.
Perham, 23, played a full 80 minutes for the Dogs in their second trial match against the Sharks and was the starting fullback for the Māori All Stars in their narrow 24-28 loss to the Australian Indigenous side.
Now in his fifth year of first-grade footy and first with Canterbury, Ciraldo says Perham has impressed in pre-season training and will be their starting fullback for the year ahead.
“Hayze is a really good player, he actually came over to Penrith when I was there when he was 16 and he was the next big thing as a kid,” Ciraldo told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He actually got homesick and ended up going back to New Zealand so again another guy (who) I got to track his progress over time.
“He did a really good job at the Warriors, was in a good system at Parramatta and came to the Bulldogs again looking for opportunity and he’s probably been one of our best trainers in the pre-season.”
Ciraldo also praised the work ethic of the young fullback, saying Perham’s professionalism and communication has been most impressive.
“He’s really professional, he’s a great communicator, very skilful, he probably hasn’t been allowed to show that in the limited opportunities he’s got in first grade so far but yeah he’s going to be our fullback this year and we’re all confident in him,” he added.
“He’s brought a hell of a lot of professionalism to our team and a lot of belief as well so we’re backing him and really excited about what he can do to help the others around him.”
Perham’s first NRL game for the Dogs will take place on March 4 at 4 Pines Park, Sydney, as they take on the Manly Sea Eagles.