YOUNG PUP GIVEN TAP ON THE SHOULDER

[Cappuccino]

It seems the Bulldogs’ decision to leave Brandon Wakeham out of the 30-man squad they took to Queensland was a sign of what was to come.

Foxsports.com.au understands the 22-year-old has been told he can look elsewhere for next season, despite being re-signed last year until the end of 2022.

Wakeham — a local junior — debuted in 2019 before going on to represent Fiji later that year and performing so well for his country that he was nominated for the Golden Boot award.

He’s played 19 NRL games, five of those being this season. He was last sighted in Round 15 before he was a part of the group of Bulldogs players that breached Covid protocols to attend a pub in the eastern suburbs.

It’s understood there’s been tension ever since that incident, which may have contributed to the club’s decision.

Coach Trent Barrett has tweaked his halves several times this season. Kyle Flanagan, Jake Averillo, Lachie Lewis and Wakeham have all had a shot, while rookie Bailey Biondi-Odo gets an opportunity in the No.6 jersey this weekend.


The Bulldogs are not, at this stage, planning on offering Lewis a contract for next season — which is why he was axed last weekend in favour of Flanagan — as the club starts to build for next season.

There were also rumours circling that the club was looking to offload Flanagan but they were put to bed by Barrett.

Canterbury-Bankstown welcome Panthers gun Matt Burton next season so with Wakeham and Lewis out of the picture it will be a shootout between Flanagan, Averillo and Biondi-Odo for the halves spot up for grabs in 2022.

 

[Mr Beast]

Bit of a shame being a local junior. Perhaps he will excel elsewhere.

 

[ddt192]

I’d rather Wakeham over that pussy Flanagan.

 

[David holland]

Let's sign Ash Taylor as a short term solution, his better than what where got

 

[JayBee]

Let's sign Ash Taylor as a short term solution, his better than what where got

There is one positive of his signing.

80% of his pay cheque will make it back to us via canterbury leagues

 

[Novdoggie]

We have too many inept halves so he needs to go. Plus, he showed no signs of improvement. I can't help think that Lewis will be re-signed if they can offload Flanagan but if not there are too many halves and we are left with no choice.

 

[Horse]

About time we got rid of this hack, offers nothing.

 

[kap123]

Let's sign Ash Taylor as a short term solution, his better than what where got

Signing another half isnt the answer. Persist with a combo or Burton, BBO and Avo with Flanno in NSW Cup. Someone may come along to pick up a bit of Flannos contract but the guy isnt on 500+. He is on 300-400 which isn't that much considering the shit he cops.

I'd be going for Burton at 6 and BBO at 7 with Avo at 14. Looking to sign a gun hooker for 2023.

 

[Bazildog]

About time we got rid of this hack, offers nothing.

Don’t hold back Horse, tell us what you really think..

 

[B-Train]

I'm sure half the squad will be getting a tap on the shoulder. Or a kick to the curb..

 

[c-b-b]

It's a shame, I always like to see the juniors do well but it's not to be in this case.

Hopefully he takes a few others with him like Stimson.

 

[CrittaMagic69]

Lol more of Baz's awful management at play.

 

[amapusae]

Shown a few good glimpses but the bondi incident showed he doesn’t have the mindset. Hopefully he goes well elsewhere

 

[enoughsaid]

Bit of a shame being a local junior. Perhaps he will excel elsewhere.

it should be based on talent

 

[diddly]

I thought he would do much better in first grade but really needs to develop a better running game and a long kick. Hopefully another club picks him up frees up space in cap n squad for the dogs

 

[David holland]

There is one positive of his signing.

80% of his pay cheque will make it back to us via canterbury leagues

What are you saying his got a gambling problem

 

[Spoonman84]

Had high hopes for him after what he did in the juniors but he hasn’t been able to deliver in the NRL. Sooner we can clear the deadwood the better.

 

[Bulldog1966]

Wonder who might take him? It may not be an easy sell as he is AVERAGE at best.

What's this Taylor fella on or even worth now ? too much i'm guessing for us to get him for "depth" ?

 

[Family Guy]

Great news on both fronts - no Lewis or Wakeham. Surely the rumours of us shopping Flanno are true. Give BBO and Burton the first shot at the halves with Avo as depth.

If it's a shootout between Flanno, Avo and BBO then shut the gate because BBO has already won that race.

 

[wendog33]

Had high hopes for him after what he did in the juniors but he hasn’t been able to deliver in the NRL. Sooner we can clear the deadwood the better.

Bit harsh but that's what the club's mindset should be.

He has all the talent required but doesn't seem to take the responsibility of putting it all out there on the training paddock or field. He hasn't been handled correctly either but it was all up to him but he hasn't delivered.