But big blow with star hurt
Foran injured the ankle during the Wests Tigers match and after visiting an ankle specialist, scans have revealed a high ankle sprain on his right leg that will require immediate surgery.
Debutants Jayden Okunbor and Nick Meaney were among five changes coach Dean Pay made to Bulldogs side that smashed Tigers with a four-try blitz and final 22-8 result on Sunday afternoon.
Pay said the whole team made a great effort with better attitude.
“We’re definitely moving in the the right direction with our young players,” he said.
“I thought they played really well today and handled the situation. Today worked out for us. We got the job done.”
Okunbor, 22, who started with Milperra Colts as a a six-year-old, was among the Bulldogs’ best, carrying the ball for a game-high 210 metres, while Meaney was a constant threat from the backfield.
“I thought Jayden was great. For his first game in the NRL, he carried the ball super for us,” Pay said.
“I suppose he’s a little bit like Reimis Smith. When we brought him in, he played better in first grade than what he was in second grade.
“And I thought Nick was great at the back as well.
“Under pressure he caught a couple of those (balls).
“Towards the back end of the game he was cramping up a fair bit, but he showed a fair bit of ticker.
“The off-season didn’t reflect in our first two games but I’m very happy with the two points today and want to do even better next week.”
Okunbor described his debut experience as “something I will cherish forever”.
“We were in top form, our fans were behind us and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity,” he said.
“I think I played alright and did enough to keep me in for next week.”