Bulldogs History Database
Andrew Emelio
| Player # | 678 |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Drew |
| Position | Centre, Wing |
| Height | 186cm |
| Weight | 100kg |
| DOB | 18th Oct 1981 |
| Origin | Mascot, NSW |
| Junior Club | Berala Bears |
| Debut | 2006: Round 1 vs Penrith |
| Other Clubs | Cronulla, Penrith |
| Rep | Tonga(2) |
Andrew Emelio joined Canterbury in 1998 as a centre.
In season 1999, Andrew became a regular member of the Jersey Flegg team and played in the Premiership winning team against Newcastle.
In 2000, he commenced the season in Jersey Flegg but was injured mid-season and missed the remainder of the season.
In 2001, Andrew started the season late and despite playing reserve grade late in the season, was selected in the Flegg team for the finals where he played in the Premiership winning team against Cronulla.
In 2002, Andrew became a regular member of the reserve grade team and played in the Premiership winning team against St George Illawarra from the bench.
In 2003, he joined Cronulla to play seven first grade games from 2003 to 2004 before joining English Super League club Widness in 2005.
The 25-year-old Bulldogs junior struggled to get a shot in the top grade at the 'Dogs with the likes of Willie Talau and Nigel Vagana occupying the centre positions.
Andrew returned home in 2006 and immediately got his chance in first grade against Penrith in the opening match of the season. He played a further five games before suffering a knee injury in the 'Dogs 40-14 loss to Manly in Round 7. It kept him sidelined until Round 16 when he made his return in Premier League.
He played just two games in the lower grade before getting the call-up from coach Steven Folkes to take on the Warriors in Round 18. From that point on he managed to play each game for a season total of 16.
His power in both attack and defence impressed everyone and he quickly became one of the most improved players in the NRL.
His impressive performaces throughout the season paid off when he was offered a further two-year contract with the club in August before being selected to take part in several World Cup Qualifiers for Tonga.
In 2007, Andrew was again hampered by injury and played just three games, a total of 240 minutes. He scored one try in his short time in the top grade and produced 33 tackles, 12 hitups and 158 metres gained.
Andrew started the 2008 season injured and eventually got a call up to first grade where he played two games. His majority of the season was spent in NSW Cup.
Andrew made his debut for Penrith against the Bulldogs in Round 15 2009 at ANZ Stadium.
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