Kane Cleal

Player #	685
Nickname	Crusher
Position	Front Row
Height	182cm
Weight	100kg
DOB	28th Apr 1984
Origin	Manly, NSW
Junior Club	Warialda Wombats
Debut	2007: Round 1 vs Newcastle
Other Clubs	Manly, South Sydney
Rep

Kane Cleal, the son of former Australian representative Noel 'Crusher' Cleal, made his first grade debut back in 2004 with the Manly Sea Eagles.

Throughout the 2004 and 2005 season, the 23-year-old managed 14 first grade appearances before joining up with South Sydney in 2006.

In July 2006, Kane showed his interest in playing for the Bulldogs - his enthusiasm and determination was impressive. By August he had signed a two-year contract with the club and although his previous two clubs never gave him a decent crack in first grade, Bulldogs coach Steven Folkes believes a solid off-season of training is sure to add depth to the forward pack and bring out the best of him in 2007.

When Kane started pre-season training in late 2006, he weighed 105kg. After just four months of intense training at the club, he weighed in at 98kg and was looking fit and raring to go.

In 2007, Kane was impressive in his 15 appearances. He showed heart and determination in both attack and defence. In round 4 against South Sydney he scored a memorable try and from the kick-off made an aggressive charge at the Rabbitohs defence.

He played a total of 469 minutes and produced 315 tackles, 103 hitups and gained 785 metres.

A series of injuries on the back of a broken jaw in 2007 saw his 2008 season come to a premature end.

Kane rejoined South Sydney in 2009.

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FIRST GRADE STATS