Des Hasler - Bulldogs premiership 2017

[pupmichelle]

People who think we will make the top 4 or top 8 this year need to take their blue and white goggles off.

2017 Bulldogs squad is the weakest squad since Des took over 2012. All the other teams in the NRL have strengthened their squads and updated their styles of play.

Every single player we have lost has in the important positions, have not been replaced by a better player or equal to.

Barba - we still do not have a genuine FB
Hodkinson - we still do not have a genuine HB
Finucane - we still do not have a genuine Lock
Ennis

Our forward pack lacks grunt which is very unbulldog like.

Our 2012 forward pack was perfectly balanced and now its all over the shop. We were always in dire straits for a FB, HB and winger and the only thing we managed was Rona who did the runner after a couple of seasons.

 

[Natboy]

People who think we will make the top 4 or top 8 this year need to take their blue and white goggles off.

2017 Bulldogs squad is the weakest squad since Des took over 2012. All the other teams in the NRL have strengthened their squads and updated their styles of play.

Every single player we have lost has in the important positions, have not been replaced by a better player or equal to.

Barba - we still do not have a genuine FB
Hodkinson - we still do not have a genuine HB
Finucane - we still do not have a genuine Lock
Ennis

Our forward pack lacks grunt which is very unbulldog like.

Our 2012 forward pack was perfectly balanced and now its all over the shop. We were always in dire straits for a FB, HB and winger and the only thing we managed was Rona who did the runner after a couple of seasons.

Time will tell.
We usually rise against the odds when written off.
I'll be putting money on us and I don't every year

 

[Dogzof95]

Time will tell.
We usually rise against the odds when written off.
I'll be putting money on us and I don't every year

Our history proves this! But no with this lot of players. This team doesn't enjoy playing Hasler's game plan!

 

[FreshSoulL]

Our history proves this! But no with this lot of players. This team doesn't enjoy playing Hasler's game plan!

The trial games tell a different story?

 

[Oatley Dog]

People who think we will make the top 4 or top 8 this year need to take their blue and white goggles off.

2017 Bulldogs squad is the weakest squad since Des took over 2012. All the other teams in the NRL have strengthened their squads and updated their styles of play.

Every single player we have lost has in the important positions, have not been replaced by a better player or equal to.

Barba - we still do not have a genuine FB
Hodkinson - we still do not have a genuine HB
Finucane - we still do not have a genuine Lock
Ennis

Our forward pack lacks grunt which is very unbulldog like.

Our 2012 forward pack was perfectly balanced and now its all over the shop. We were always in dire straits for a FB, HB and winger and the only thing we managed was Rona who did the runner after a couple of seasons.

You're entitled to your opinion but that doesn't make it right. Hoppa is a good FB despite the ragging he cops on here and Abbey will grow into the position during the year when he gets a shot. Write off Mbye at your own peril. This kid can play and if you look at some of the highlights from last year he knows how to set up the outside men and now he has had a season in the 7 will be much better. Sure he needs to get the ball when he wants it and if they fix that up then the world is his oyster. I was sorry to see Finucane go but there was no choice between him and Jacko - we won that hands down. Lichaa is a bit like Mbye, only a kid growing into the position. He looked a lot sharper in the trials and if he keeps going in that direction he will do well. If not, then one of the other young blokes will get his shot. We have plenty of depth and plenty of grunt. How you can say a pack with Graham, Klemmer and Kas doesn't have grunt is beyond me. They are three of the fiercest competitors in the game. I not only expect us to finish top 4 but I can't see why we won't win. We have a good bench and a few hand second stringers in key spots so unless we get smashed with injuries we will be there. Yes I can see a few chain pass scenarios this year but I can also see plenty of ball movement to the edges with the Mozz's and Lee racking up a few tries.

 

[justdogs]

Time will tell.
We usually rise against the odds when written off.
I'll be putting money on us and I don't every year

I agree with you first 2 paragraphs. Ill be putting money on us and I loose every year, the third one lol

 

[Bluebody]

I believe in development and creating coherence in a playing group - so far we have not achieved that - it can be hit and miss even though I do believe it we have to miss that much before a hit. Anyway, I am hoping Des has become grounded in the reality that the team was complacent and he was delusional about it. And I am also hoping that the new attitude and reset in the offseason has changed the rules of how to play - and we are in for an adventure in 2017 - I can dream can't I?

 

[Dogzof95]

The trial games tell a different story?

Did you say trial game!

 

[Dogzof95]

I believe in development and creating coherence in a playing group - so far we have not achieved that - it can be hit and miss even though I do believe it we have to miss that much before a hit. Anyway, I am hoping Des has become grounded in the reality that the team was complacent and he was delusional about it. And I am also hoping that the new attitude and reset in the offseason has changed the rules of how to play - and we are in for an adventure in 2017 - I can dream can't I?

I hope so, because in the last few years all we've had is nightmares!

 

[GUSLER]

I hope so, because in the last few years all we've had is nightmares!

14 other teams have the exact same mindset with the exact same salary cap. Most of them with better players where it matters most. We essentially have one bench kiwi player and an English prop as far as internationals go.

 

[D.O.W.]

I highly doubt Barret or Brown would actually say that... They're talking about 'rebuilding', 'making the 8', 'playing consistent footy week to week...
I understand where your coming from essentially, however will respectfully continue to disagree with your statement that all coaches will publicly state their team can win the comp...

I think it's a desperate comment from a desperate coach... It's unlike Des to make any positive comments particularly before a ball has been kicked. Regardless, let's hope his words have inspired the team.

 

[Sandra's Bollocks]

The trial games tell a different story?

We always beat storm in the trials.

But yeah nah cool story bro.

 

[flamebouyant]

14 other teams have the exact same mindset with the exact same salary cap. Most of them with better players where it matters most. We essentially have one bench kiwi player and an English prop as far as internationals go.

Are you serious????? What about klemmer, jackson and kasiano?????? All internationals.

 

[albatross]

14 other teams have the exact same mindset with the exact same salary cap. Most of them with better players where it matters most. We essentially have one bench kiwi player and an English prop as far as internationals go.

Graham, Klemmer, Eastwood, Kasiano, J Morris & B Morris are all internationals. Jackson, Hoppa and Reynolds have at least played origin. Agree that we have ordinary players in key positions.

 

[Sandra's Bollocks]

If the Sharks can win with Townsend and Heighington anything is possible.

Not really. In 2006 Broncos had Shane Perry at halback ffs, but the rest of the team were class esp. in the key areas. Same with the Sharks last year.

 

[Dogzof95]

14 other teams have the exact same mindset with the exact same salary cap. Most of them with better players where it matters most. We essentially have one bench kiwi player and an English prop as far as internationals go.

Look at the positives.....,...........,.......... Crusher has left! After he Des-troyed our recruitment!

 

[GUSLER]

Are you serious????? What about klemmer, jackson and kasiano?????? All internationals.

Kasiano was the kiwi I referred to. Jackson and Klemmer aren't in the first squad bud. Going on tour and playing in the big games is a different thing. Don't get me wrong, Klem and Jacko will get there, but as a squad right now we are no where near the top.

 

[GUSLER]

Half our team have been intrrnationals, I agree, But Other than Klemmer and Jacko the best is behind a lot of our good players. We have a good team but not very good imo. I think we should be rebuilding but des won't compromise his top 8 bonus for anything...I hope I'm wrong but when the coaching staff is as professional as we are and the players certainly try hard and don't give up, But the best we could finish in the past 4 years is 5th, with a decent injury run. Then maybe, just maybe our squad isn't as good as we once thought.

 

[Boxer]

Yep, the most talented team almost always wins..

Not really the ref can make the best team look like shit.

 

[GUSLER]

Look at the positives.....,...........,.......... Crusher has left! After he Des-troyed our recruitment!

Good point, and no more negativity. Round 1 is upon us. I do think des isa good coach yet he got a bit too smart for his own good the past 4 years. Hope we go back to basics this year, go dogs!!!