Canterbury have named Bryson Goodwin for Saturday's NRL opening round clash with Newcastle, despite the winger still wearing a protective moon boot.

Goodwin has a toe injury but Bulldogs' medical staff are confident the New Zealand international, who scored 20 tries in a breakthrough 2009 season, will be able to take his place at ANZ Stadium.

"He's still in some doubt. He didn't run today, he'll train with the team on Wednesday so, dependent on how he gets through that session, we'll decide whether he plays or not," coach Kevin Moore said on Monday.

"We've got a couple of blokes on standby in Heka Nanai and Junior Tia Kilifi so we'll make that decision later in the week."

Former Melbourne winger Steve Turner and ex-St George-Illawarra forward Mickey Paea will debut for the Bulldogs.

Yileen Gordon has been rewarded with a starting spot in the second row, while Ben Barba earns the bench utility spot.

As well as competition points, the Bulldogs and Knights will compete for the beyondblue Cup for the first time as they aim to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems.

Canterbury: Luke Patten, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Ben Roberts, Brett Kimmorley, Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Michael Hodgson, Yileen Gordon, Andrew Ryan, David Stagg. Interchange: Mickey Paea, Gary Warburton, Jarrad Hickey, Ben Barba.

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