Which team was your favourite as a child and who was your favourite player?
MB: "I actually supported the Tigers when I was growing up. Dad was a massive Tigers fan so I just jumped on the back of it. I always loved Benji Marshall growing. He was someone I looked up to as a kid".
How are you and Josh Addo-Carr so in-sync?
MB: "I don’t know. He just brings so much energy. When we both got to the club we just made this connection. I thnk it’s now paying off on the field. I’m not too sure what it is but I love playing with him. It’s going alright".
Do you see yourself as a Bulldog for the rest of your career?
MB: "Yeah, for sure. I think the way the club is heading at the moment with a new coach and a few new players coming in it’s looking on the up. I definitely want to be a part of it".
When are you signing your new contract?
MB: "I don’t know. I haven’t talked about it yet. As soon as I get back we’ll have a few meetings and go from there".
Will Kikau relieve defensive pressure and open up your running game?
MB: "I think it will a lot. He’s a great player and it’s going to be good to work with him. I’ll just push him in and make him do all the tackles for me. I don’t think him defensively won’t make my running game any different, but in attack it will. He will free me up a bit and give me more space. I’m looking forward to it".
Who’s the best captaincy option at the Dogs?
MB: "There would be a few fellas in contention. Obviously Foxxy and Luke Thompson were combined captains for a game or two last year. I think we got the win with them as captains. They are one from one so I imagine they are top of the list".
Is captaincy something you’re working towards?
MB: "I’m still only 22. I’m still learning and improving on the game. It would be a big honour to captain the side but for me I need to work hard and keep learning."
What’s it been like with Tino in camp given the fight in Origin?
MB: "He’s a good fella! We spoke about it before that what happens on the field stays on the field. We’re playing for Australia now so we’re all one team. He’s a good bloke".
What is your pre-match ritual?
MB: "I like to eat the same breakfast. I’ll always have avocado and eggs on toast. And I will always wear the same undies for the game. That’s just a superstition I have".
Do you look forward to building a dynasty at Canterbury?
MB: "Yeah for sure. It’s a young squad and everyone is there trying to build and get better. That’s the biggest thing. I think the longer we stay together, the more I think we can do something special".
How have you found the Bulldogs fan base?
MB: "They’re obviously the best in the league by far. The passion and support they show us is amazing. We started slow last year but they stuck by us and they were there every match with the drums and banging and chanting. They’re so passionate and I love them".
What’s been the difference between playing in Penrith and the Bulldogs?
MB: "My role for starters. I was in the centres at Penrith so a bit changed going back into the halves at the Bulldogs. I think in terms of the club, there’s not too much of a difference. Everyone is there to do the same thing and that’s to win. I was at Penrith a lot longer. I didn’t know many of the boys when I got here so it’s probably the only difference for me.".
Any chance you would try and get a start with a NFL team as a punter?
MB: "I don’t think so. I’ll stick to rugby league. Maybe it’s something when I’m a bit older. At the moment I’m happy here".
What can you tell us about Cameron Ciraldo that we don’t know?
MB: "He’s a smart man. I obviously worked with him when he was our defensive coach out there at Penrith. The way he gets things across to the players is pretty clear and direct. That’s what you want from a coach. I can’t wait to work with him next year because I think it’s going to be a great year".
Who do you think will be your halfback?
MB: "There are a few players there. We have Flanno and Khaled Rajab coming through. He’s showed a bit of talent coming through this tournament for Lebanon. Those two will be fighting it out for that spot. I’m not too sure who will start but whoever gets the position will do a great job".
What do you think of Josh Reynolds coming back?
MB: "It’s going to be great to get Joshy back to the club. I haven’t really met him yet but it will be good to get him back in there. He’s the heart and soul of the Bulldogs. What he’s done for the club in previous years is pretty crazy. It’s going to be great to have him back because he’s a big part of what the club is about. He will teach us young fellas a bit as well".
Were you surprised by Josh Jackson’s retirement?
MB: "I was, actually. I woke up and seen it all over media. He let us boys know he was retiring but it was pretty devastating. He’s an absolute warrior and was the heart and soul of the Bulldogs as well. He led us around last year and has been doing that for a few years. It was pretty devastating to see Jacko go because he’s such a great bloke and such a great leader".
Who is your best friend at the Bulldogs?
MB: "I’m not too sure. I have a few mates. There’s obviously Foxxy but I try and hang out with everyone. I feel like I get along with everyone".
How close do you work with Phil Gould on your game?
MB: "Not too much, actually. He just comes in every now and then and tips you up on a few things that you need to work on. He’s usually just floating around and keeping an eye on things. It’s more usually up to the coaches".
How do you feel about drawing Manly at Brookvale in round one?
MB: "It’s going to be a tough match up. They’ve got a new coach as well so they are going to come out firing. It’s at their home ground. It’ll be a great match and I’m looking forward to it".
Last question: Which Kangaroos player have you learnt off the most on tour?
MB: "Probably Cameron Munster. Guys like that in a similar position I just try and figure out what they are doing. They’re obviously the best in the game. I try and see what they do a bit different and try and implement it into my game".