Cameron Ciraldo will give Karl Oloapu an extended run in Canterbury's halves after an emotional debut for the teenage rookie ended with a victory and haka at WIN Stadium.
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One of the most hyped young talents in the NRL, 18-year-old Oloapu was injected off the bench and into the Bulldogs' halves after 30 minutes against St George Illawarra.
He had some nice touches in the 18-16 win, breaking the line once and showing the quick hands that made him worth a $500,000 transfer fee from Brisbane over the summer.
Oloapu was then met by friends who'd flown in after halftime from Queensland and New Zealand for a haka and a hymn behind WIN Stadium.
"I think he did pretty well tonight, and I am keen to keep exploring that with him," Bulldogs coach Ciraldo said.
"We were never going to throw him in for one week. No matter what, he has come here to go on a journey with us. And we are excited about where that journey can go.
"He'll learn a lot tonight, and we're here to help him through that process."
Oloapu's appearance also helped ram home Ciraldo's desire for Matt Burton to take ownership of the team as halfback, a week after being moved from five-eighth to No.7.
Burton began the game alongside a rejuvenated Josh Reynolds, with both dangerous through the midfield, before Oloapu's arrival marked the first look at the Bulldogs long-term plans in the halves.
"Burto has grown in that role every week," Ciraldo said.
"That is the first time Karl and Burton have ever played together. We will be a little rusty at times, and they will get better with every training session and game they get."
Ciraldo was also adamant Kyle Flanagan had not necessarily played his last game for the club, after reports emerged suggesting he would move to Manly following Canterbury's decision to drop him last week.
He played reserve grade for NSW Cup on Sunday, playing at hooker in their 22-12 win over the Dragons.
"I know nothing about that move," Ciraldo said.
"Kyle rang me straight away and his phone was going off as well. He just wanted to reassure me there was nothing in it.
"Kyle had a tough week. It was a tough decision for him not to be in the team and we played him at hooker in NSW Cup today.
"I thought he was outstanding. Really good all week. He took it on the chin. Embraced the new position and I thought he did really well out there today."
Australian Associated Press
