By PETER ROWE
Ellenbrook Rabbitohs make their welcome for return to the Fuel to Go and Play Premiership on Saturday with coach Dan Manning looking to take the points against fellow 2026 newcomers Kalamunda.
The Dogs are coming off a 46-14 loss at South Perth in round one, but will be in better shape for the trip to Charlotte’s Vineyard.
In a game that could go either way both Manning and Bulldogs coach Duane Gwiazdzinski will be keen to get a win to launch their season.
“This could be an evenly matched game,” Gwiazdzinski said.
“I believe they were pretty equal in Val Murphy last season and we have learnt a lot from the defeat at South Perth.”
Manning agreed. “It was tight last year so I expect the same this time around.
“We’re looking forward to it and I know the rugby league community here is 100% behind the club.”
The Bunnies will not be as big (in size) as in previous seasons, but still aim to match anyone when it comes to the physicality of the game.
“It’s whole new team from last season,” Manning said. “Seven new faces I think, from other clubs and from over east.
“Plus our captain Chase Rye, who was Val Murphy player of the year in 2025.”
Manning will finalise his team ahead of the game and sees this game as one to consolidate and build for the future.
“I think that’s what all the teams who have stepped up want to do,” he said.
Gwiazdzinski noted that his team needs to improve line speed and tighten up their defence around the ruck.
“It’s a step up to first grade level and our players are now understanding that,” he said.
Prop David Butler is in contention for a spot as Gwiazdzinski fine tunes his structure.
“You notice little things like the classier level of the halves in the Premiership,” he said.
“The combinations and the communication.”
South Perth, after their opening game win, head north to Joondalup in another game that is hard to call.
Fixtures between these two clubs have often seen games ending all square.
But after last week’s nailbiting 22-22 draw with North Beach, Giants coach Matt Gowland is looking for nothing less than a win.
“No draw this week,” he joked.
“We want to get a win under our belt and I think we can achieve that.”
Veteran Taurean Sheehan is still recovering from a hamstring injury so will have a late fitness test before a call is made and Gowland was buoyed this week with the return of Jojo Ranger and Davey Martin from Alkimos.
Former Leeds Rhino Mitch Achurch is fit and should play and Gowland will continue with Tiger Williams at lock and brother Lincoln at Seven.
“No injuries to speak of and we know this will be a physical test. South Perth had a good win last week, but we are concentrating on what we can do. I have coached young Luke-David (the Lions halfback), so I know he can be dangerous.”
Lions coach John Crawford has reported no injuries and is expecting to name close to the same side that defeated Kalamunda in round one.
“We will be at full strength,” he said. “Daniel Green will be back in contention. He brings some experience to the team and Luke-David was outstanding last week.”
No Kade McDonald yet. He’s still away, but should be back on time for round three after the Anzac break.
“We had a 10-15 minute lapse that let the Dogs in last week, so we’ve spoken about that, cleaned it up and Im expecting more of the same, performance wise, from my team,” Crawford added.
Fremantle will be hoping to improve on their loss last week over Willagee as they entertain Rockingham.
The Sharks will be confident after their eclipse of the Titans in round one and will welcome back hooker Jarrad Whitty from FIFO – although the Roosters are a very different proposition to Kwinana.
Centre Tom Leeder suffered an HIA last weekend so will sit out this round.
Coach Reece Potter was happy with his side’s performance but knows this weekend will be a different challenge.
“It’s always tough against Fremantle but we have a couple back and if we can match them in the first 20 minutes or so then we will have a chance.
“There’s nothing better than getting a win at Freo.”
The Roosters did not disgrace themselves in their loss at Willagee and will be challenging for honours again this season.
Player-coach Duane Butler was disappointed not to come away with the points at Willagee but was pleased with his side’s effort.
“We made 12 errors in the first half and that cost us,” he said. “They scored four times off our mistakes, so we have to work on that.
“We’re still working on our on-field organisational elements and looking to build consistency.
“This year we have a nothing to lose attitude and we want to play more open, expansive football.
“Our halves are working hard on their combinations and Harry Debique’s kicking is a real asset.
“There has always been a good rivalry between us and Rocky, always tough games.”
Butler will make a couple of changes – Jules Wilson-Wyliie is out – but is confident they can take their first points of the season.
Willagee welcome the Kwinana Titans to Webber Reserve, hoping to make it two straight wins after their round one success.
Bears coach Nelson Davis will make five changes to his side, looking to give several ‘fringe’ players the opportunity to show their worth.
“We have a few niggles but nothing major,” Davis said. “I want to reward a few players who did a great job in reserves last week and see how they go in first grade.
“Yes, we were good against Freo but there is still room for improvement. I’m looking good to maintain our standards across the whole club. As we will give the due respect to our opponents Kwinana.”
Titans player-coach Lewis Samuels knows it will be a big challenge. He’s had a chat with longstanding mate Duane Butler, looking for any tips from the Fremantle game.
“Duane was great and gave me some good ideas,” Samuels said.
“Last week was a bit of a wakeup call. We now know how much quicker first grade is. Rocky were a good side and this week we face the premiers, so we’ve got to keep our shape, have better line speed and try to shut down their options.
“We were a bit undermanned last week with three players injured from a trial game and others way, so a better looking side for round two.”
