New Bulls overseas recruit Phil Howlett is being tipped to make a big impact on the British game.

Odsal coach Matthew Elliott knows the player from his time Down Under and has also had his card marked by current Bulls quota men Tevita Vaikona and Michael Withers.

South Sydney speedster Howlett played alongside Vaikona for Tonga in the 1995 World Cup while Withers also came head-to-head with him in during his time with Balmain.

"They both feel he will go well in this country and I think we have done good business to gain his release.

"There is still some paperwork to get through but if all goes according to plan he will be a very useful addition to the squad in an area where we are a little light following Danny Peacock's retirement and the fact that Tevita probably won't be available for at least six weeks after his groin operation on Monday."

Howlett has not figured in South Sydney's first grade side much this season but Elliott says fans over here should not read too much into that.

"Souths are going particularly well this year and have signed players of the quality of Tim Brasher and Julian O'Neill so its has been tough for him to break into the side.

"But that means we are getting a player with plenty of ambition and that could really work to our advantage.

"He is initially on a short term contract but there is a chance for him to secure a longer term deal if things go well.

"This represents an opportunity for him but he knows he is going to have a fight on to get into the side."

Back-rower Bernard Dwyer is also likely to find himself in a similar category after missing the last five games following knee surgery.

"Bernard is just about there but I will be looking to reward the players who did do well against Wigan and won't be making unnecessary changes this weekend.

"Paul Deacon and Scott Naylor have recovered well from the knocks that they took and I expect both of them to be available against Huddersfield," add-ed Elliott.

lMat Rogers kicked Queens-land to a 9-8 victory over New South Wales in the first State of Origin clash in Brisbane.

Cronulla wing Rogers kicked four penalties before his drop goal six minutes from time edged the Maroons in front.

The only try of the game came after half-an-hour, when Terry Hill's strong run enabled Anthony Mundine to touch down for NSW.

Ryan Girdler landed two goals but Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler missed one-point attempts for the visitors either side of Rogers' match-winning intervention.

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