2018 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs preview: Stability beckons with shuffle to pay off
A SEASON of stability beckons for the Bulldogs, with a new and enthusiastic coach in Dean Pay, surrounded by a fresh football department and, of course, a supportive new board of directors. Michael Ennis looks at the year ahead.
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A SEASON of stability beckons for the Bulldogs, with a new and enthusiastic coach in Dean Pay, surrounded by a fresh football department and, of course, a supportive new board of directors.
Canterbury demand success, which with so many key changes must ultimately equate to an improved 2018 season.
FORWARDS
We all know David Klemmer and Josh Jackson are the leaders of the Dogs pack.
The concern is, what difference does new recruit Aaron Woods bring to the club that former prop James Graham did not? That’s the big watch for me.
Depth in their pack is a concern, especially during the State of Origin period.
The one player who can step up this season is Raymond Faitala-Mariner. His offload and footwork offer the Dogs a distinct point of difference.
BACKS
All eyes will be on Moses Mbye’s transition from five-eighth to fullback.
Mbye’s move could be a winner because I felt he struggled to steer the team in the halves.
His running game is his best asset: he’s very fast and that will be on show from the back.
I also still think there’s plenty of footy left in the Morris twins, Brett and Josh, who I sense will thrive under Dean Pay’s coaching.
SPINE
Kieran Foran is the entire question mark hovering over the Dogs.
We all know what he’s capable of on his day. If Foran is over his injuries, his combination with Michael Lichaa, who found late confidence last year, and five-eighth Matt Frawley, who has shown he can manage a game, albeit with more development required, will be vital to any success this year for the Dogs.
INS AND OUTS
INS: Kieran Foran (Warriors), Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers), Fa’amanu Brown (Sharks), Ofahiki Ogden (Warriors), Jeremy Marshall-King (Wests Tigers), Clay Priest (Raiders), Mason Cerruto (Panthers), Moses Suli (Tigers), John Olive (Titans).
OUTS: James Graham (Dragons), Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers), Sam Kasiano (Storm), Craig Garvey (Raiders), Richie Kennar (Rabbitohs), Brad Abbey (Raiders), Tyrone Phillips (Panthers), Brenko Lee (Titans).
BEST 17
1. Moses Mbye 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Will Hopoate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Frawley 7. Kieran Foran 8. Aaron Woods 9. Michael Lichaa 10. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson (C) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Danny Fualalo. Interchange: 14. Greg Eastwood 15. Adam Elliott 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Francis Tualau. Coach: Dean Pay
FORM GUIDE
2017 11th, 2016 Finals (7th), 2015 Finals (5th), 2014 Grand Final (7th), 2013 Finals (6th).
PRE-SEASON STANDOUT
Moses Mbye
The young Queenslander has made a good fist of his move to fullback and can be expected to hit the ground running in 2018.
CASUALTY WARD
Aaron Woods (hamstring; due back, rd 1), Moses Suli (ankle; indefinite).
THEY’LL BE LEANING ON...
Kieran Foran
The Bulldogs’ attack was at times unwatchable in 2017 and Foran will be the catalyst for change. The former Sea Eagle, Eel and Warrior has been in the wilderness and needs a bounce-back season.