How it all went wrong for the Bulldogs in season 2017

NOW coach Des Hasler looks certain to be sacked, the Canterbury Bulldogs will need to start again in a bid to rebuild and return to the club to the top.

Bulldogs season review.

• Warriors 2017 Season Review
• Knights 2017 Season Review
• Tigers 2017 Season Review
• Raiders 2017 Season Review

WE were supposed to see Canterbury unleash their new attack this season, but it never eventuated.

The Bulldogs struggled to score points and looked flat in attack, resulting in a below-par campaign for the boys from Belmore.

Now coach Des Hasler looks certain to be sacked, which will force Canterbury to start again in a bid to rebuild and return to the proud club to the top.

WHERE THEY FINISHED

The Dogs finished 11th, three wins outside the top eight. This is a significant underachievement given the class of Canterbury’s roster.

Unfortunately, there was too much adversity for the Bulldogs to shine this season. The Dogs also battled to find the right balance in attack and have plenty of work to do over the summer to rediscover their mojo and confidence.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

Attack. The Bulldogs’ inability to create and score points prevented them from competing and winning.

Canterbury made 77 line-breaks this season. The hapless Warriors even made 97, while wooden spooners Newcastle amassed 78.

The Bulldogs’ inability to cross the white stripe cost them any chance of winning let alone climbing the ladder.

Constant speculation about Hasler’s coaching future also did the Dogs no favours and resulted in the players struggling to focus.

The drama went to another level late in the season when the salary cap story emerged, revealing the Dogs had overspent on the estimated cap for 2018 and would be forced to shed players to become compliant.

As a result, the majority of the team were shopped around in a bid to get Canterbury under the cap.

Bulldogs season review.

This created significant disharmony in the ranks and it showed on the field.

The Bulldogs looked disinterested and disjointed, resulting in some bad losses for the boys from Belmore.

Injuries also played a major role at Canterbury this season. Josh Reynolds, Sam Kasiano and Greg Eastwood all missed a lot of football, which made it difficult for the Bulldogs to build continuity.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Not much. Josh Jackson was at his consistent best, while the emergence of young back-rower Adam Elliott is a positive for the future. The Dogs struggled all season, but they showed impressive fighting qualities to finish the year with three straight wins under intense adversity.

The signings of Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods were huge. Foran and Woods have the potential to help Canterbury climb off the canvas and be competitive in 2018.

A lot will depend on Foran’s mental state and whether he is happy to play at the Bulldogs, even if his former Manly mentor Hasler moves on.

STATS THAT SUM UP THE SEASON

Canterbury scored 360 points, the lowest tally in the NRL. Even wooden spooners Newcastle amassed 428 points.

This prevented the Bulldogs from having success, especially against the competition’s premier teams.

The Bulldogs’ defence was solid and helped them win 10 games, but it wasn’t enough to make amends for their sluggish attack.

David Klemmer of the Bulldogs looks dejected after Sea Eagles try.

IT’S A SHAMBLES: THE MAIN AREA THEY NEED TO IMPROVE

Their attack. The Dogs must show more when they have the football to compete with the best teams in the competition.

The addition of Foran at five-eighth will make Canterbury more direct in attack, while it will keep the opposition’s defence honest.

But the big question remains — who plays halfback for the Bulldogs?

Matt Frawley and Chase Stanley donned the No. 7 jumper throughout 2017, but are they the answer long-term?

Moses Mbye could play in the halves, but he also may be required at hooker following Michael Lichaa’s departure.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON

The Dogs didn’t have many highlights, but their round 24 win over finals-bound Manly was impressive and proved they can perform against the top teams.

LOWLIGHT OF THE SEASON

Manly belted the Bulldogs 36-0 at Brookvale Oval in round 4, which sparked speculation on the uncertain future of coach Des Hasler.

BIG NAME RECRUITS

Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods should ignite a Canterbury revival in 2018. Both players have proven big-game experience. Foran does have question marks, especially around his mental health.

If Foran can fire, though, expect the Bulldogs to dramatically improve next season.

BIG NAME LOSSES

Michael Lichaa (released), Sam Kasiano (Storm), Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers), Tyrone Phillips (released)

James Graham has signed with the Dragons.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT YEAR

BEST POSSIBLE SCENARIO

Recapture their bite and return to the finals under a new coach and recruits Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods.

The Dogs are a proud club and their passionate fans won’t cop another failed season in 2018.

It’s now up to the new coach and the players to deliver on the park.

If they do, then I expect a return to the finals for the boys from Belmore.

WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO

Attack doesn’t improve and they fail to make the finals. This would cause mass upheaval in Belmore and immediately place pressure on the new coach.

COACH SAFETY RATING

1: Hasler won’t be at Belmore next season. Dean Pay is expected to be Canterbury coach from 2017 onwards, but could their be a shock candidate?

Only time will tell as Canterbury officials prepare to delve through the club’s end of season review in the coming days.