Gould's great rebuild rests on maligned Bulldog

1 year ago 56

There is arguably much excitement astir the Bulldogs than immoderate different squad successful the build-up to 2023.

A caller coach, a big of breathtaking caller players and a caller optimism whitethorn conscionable extremity the seasons of symptom Bulldogs fans person had to endure successful caller years.

Dogs supremo Phil Gould is gathering for the agelong term, but there's each accidental helium whitethorn good summation spectacular short-term results with the buying and selling helium has done.

2022 finishing position: 12th

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Gains: Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Ryan Sutton (Raiders), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Franklin Pele (Sharks), Hayze Perham (Eels), Fa'amanu Brown (Wests Tigers), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Karl Oloapu (Broncos).

Losses: Jack Hetherington (Knights), Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Matt Dufty (Warrington), Joe Stimson (Titans), Josh Jackson (retired), Aaron Schoupp (Titans), Ava Seumanufagai (released), Corey Allan (Roosters).

Best 17

Hayze Perham

Jacob Kiraz

Jake Averillo

Paul Alamoti

Josh Addo-Carr

Matt Burton

Kyle Flanagan

Luke Thompson

Reed Mahoney

Ryan Sutton

Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Viliame Kikau

Max King

Bench: Fa'amanu Brown, Jackson Topine, Tevita Pangai Jr, Corey Waddell

Best buy

While Kikau volition get astir of the headlines astatine the caller Bulldogs, Reed Mahoney is the antheral who volition steer them adjacent to, oregon into, the apical eight. There are fewer amended dummy-halves successful the game. He volition get the squad going guardant - and marque 50 tackles a week conscionable for fun.

Biggest loss

I truly similar Jack Hetherington arsenic a subordinate - helium is assertive and makes things happen. He has a fearfulness origin to him and would person been precise useful successful this Dogs pack.

Greatest strength

The caller vigor and enthusiasm that has been created by Gus Gould and Cameron Ciraldo astatine Belmore. The Bulldogs person been easy-beats successful caller years connected the tract - that stops now!

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Biggest question mark

The playmaking with Kyle Flanagan inactive not rather astatine the elite NRL level for halfbacks. The quality is determination - helium conscionable needs to tally the shot much and amusement much assurance connected the field.

Man nether pressure

Flanagan - for each the reasons above. If helium fires, the Dogs WILL marque the apical eight.

Predicted 2023 finishing position: 8th

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