The Bulldogs have undergone more changes than any other club in the previous five years.
There have been two board changes since the beginning of 2018, two CEOs, five coaches, and a plethora of players that have come and gone.
However, Canterbury-Bankstown appears to be in their best position since the Des Hasler era (before it unraveled) following a number of false starts.
Michael Ennis, who guided the Bulldogs to two grand finals, believes the team will play finals footy for the first time since 2016. In fact, the team is that strong.
Watch all of the Rugby League World Cup matches live and exclusively on Kayo, exclusively on Fox Sports. Fresh to Kayo? Click here to begin your free trial.
Ennis told foxsports.com.au that he thinks the Bulldogs have “a lot to like” going into the upcoming season. When asked if they can finish in the top eight, he responded, “I think so, I really do.”
He continued, “I think they’re on a great trajectory right now, and their signings have been terrific.”
Ennis is referring to the three players who have signed with the team for the upcoming season: Ryan Sutton, Reed Mahoney, and Viliame Kikau.
They will join Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton, two of the Dogs’ brightest stars, who have not only forged an exciting combination but also just returned from a fruitful World Cup campaign with the Kangaroos.
Though he hasn’t shown much in the NRL, Cameron Ciraldo is arguably the most crucial component of the puzzle, and Ennis is sure he’s the right guy to lead the proud club back to its heyday.
“You bring in Cameron Ciraldo, who makes a radical departure from their coaching philosophy. Ennis remarked, “I really like the direction that Cameron is taking the club. I’ve had a little bit to do with him.”
“The Dogs are having a great time right now.
When it gets going, there aren’t many places like it if he can gain some early momentum.
“It’s a fantastic venue for rugby league, and the supporters are among the best in the sport.”
There was a glimmer of hope at the end of the previous season for those fans, who had to endure five years of false hope, disappointment, and turmoil.
The team’s confidence skyrocketed as the attack began to click.
Following the Bulldogs’ consecutive victories, Matty Johns said on Fox League, “You can see sides that have been under the gun for a number of years, when things start to turn, how the vibe, everything just takes off.”
Here’s how the Bulldogs arrived at a position where they appear prepared to compete once more.
It looked like brighter days were ahead though when the club kicked off this year with a two-point win over the Cowboys — their first Round 1 win since 2016. But it didn’t mean much as six straight losses then followed.
Leave a Reply