In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2020, NRL.com looks at the improving Bulldogs.

NRL.com says: Back-row recruit Joe Stimson may have to start on the bench given the calibre of starting edge forwards. With Kieran Foran out for most or all of the season, Brandon Wakeham will push Jack Cogger for a chance in the halves.

Jeremy Marshall-King looks to have shored up the No.9 jersey despite the addition of Sione Katoa, however the incumbent is racing the clock to be fit as he returns from shoulder surgery. A syndesmosis injury that will keep Raymond Faitala-Mariner out for the start of the season opens the door for Dean Britt to nab a bench spot.

Jamie Soward says: The loss of Kieran Foran is huge but I would bring Brandon Wakeham in to partner Lachlan Lewis. He's shown he can lead the Fiji national team around and needs to be given some time and patience.

I would have started some younger forwards with Renouf To'omaga at prop and Tolman back to the bench and Raymond Faitala-Mariner in the second row moving Josh Jackson to lock where he doesn't have to worry about ball-playing. I like Kerrod Holland at centre with Reimis Smith and Jayden Okunbor making an impressive wing pairing meaning Nick Meaney misses out.