Monday Buzz: New recruits to help Bulldogs make the top eight

THE Knights are shaping as the most improved team in the NRL next year but the Bulldogs have what it takes to shake-up season 2018.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs new recruit Kieran Foran.

WE all know the Newcastle Knights will be the most improved team in the NRL next year.

I’d also be tipping the Canterbury Bulldogs to make the top eight.

They have the best bookends in the competition — Australia’s Test starting props Aaron Woods and Dave Klemmer, who were outstanding during the World Cup.

They also have Keiran Foran as chief playmaker, which should guarantee sharper backline attack.

FITTLER OFF TO A FLYER

BRAD Fittler is off to a flying start in his role as NSW State of Origin coach.

His appointment of Greg “Brandy” Alexander as his chief adviser is a smart one.

Brandy has proven to be a great media performer in his comment­ating role on Fox Sports.

He knows the game better than most. He is also one of the few people in the game I have never heard anyone say a bad word about.

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Penrith Panthers great Greg Alexander with Nathan Cleary. Picture: Penrith Panthers

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW LEADERS

WITH Cooper Cronk gone and Johnathan Thurston on the way out, Australia and Queensland are looking for new long-term playmakers.

There’s no doubt the Cowboys’ Michael Morgan is ready to step up.

He showed that by leading the Cowboys on their phenomenal finals run and again for Australia in the World Cup. But who else is there?

Ben Hunt, Cameron Munster and James Maloney were all part of the Kangaroos’ campaign and will be among the frontrunners.

You can throw Manly Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans into the mix as well.

And then there’s Nathan Cleary at the Panthers. He turns 20 next year and will be banging on Freddie Fittler’s door for Blues selection.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: New recruits to help Bulldogs make the top eight