BULLDOGS v SOUTHS

John Kite, the latest rookie called up from the Bulldogs under-20s team for tonight's match against South Sydney, already knows what it's like to play at a higher level.

Kite, the biggest baby that nurses at Canterbury Hospital had seen when he entered the world weighing a whopping 15 pounds in January 1988, spent most of his junior career playing against older rivals.

Introduced to league as a way to keep his weight down, Kite was too big and strong for most kids his own age so he was promoted up the ranks.

"I was always bigger than the rest of the kids and a lot of parents used to complain," said Kite, whose playing weight fluctuates between 114 and 120 kilograms.

"They used to say things like, 'He's too old' or, 'Let's see his birth certificate'. I used to feel sorry for the other kids, I didn't want to hurt them."

While there has been much debate about the merits of junior competitions returning to some form of weight system because of the domination of bigger - often Polynesian - players, most of the discussion has revolved around the impact on smaller kids.

For his part, Kite - a cousin and likely Tongan World Cup teammate of hulking Parramatta winger Tony Williams - said he preferred playing against opponents more his own size.

"If you can handle it, I think it's alright," said Kite. "It just seemed normal to me. When I went back to my own age I would score heaps of tries - about four of five a game. I was just running over the top of the other kids, and it wasn't good for the rest of my team, either."

It was one of those occasions, that led to an eight-year-old Kite to becoming a lifelong fan of the club after meeting Bulldogs great Terry Lamb.

Having played against Lamb's son Matt, Kite approached the former Test five-eighth and asked for his autograph. "I thought he'd say no, but he was really good and it's something I've always remembered," Kite said.

"That's what made me want to play for the Bulldogs."

Kite demonstrated his commitment to the club when he recently paid his own way to Melbourne for the round-12 match against the Storm after playing for the Bulldogs NSW Cup side the night before. He even took his boots in case he was needed for the Toyota Cup fixture.

Given the meagre income of players in the under-20s competition outside their club's top-25, it was an selfless act that didn't go unnoticed by those at the Bulldogs.

Since being named on the bench for tonight's match, Kite has been receiving advice about his role when he comes on from Sonny Bill Williams and Reni Maitua, who was yesterday ruled out with a shoulder injury.

One of 65 grandchildren on his mother's side alone, Kite will also have a lot of family support at ANZ Stadium tonight, with about 40 relatives planning to attend.

"I never expected to play first grade this year but now that I've got the chance, I want to try and cement a spot on the bench for the rest of the season," Kite said.