Bulldogs centre and NRL veteran Josh Morris has spoken of the difference between new coach Dean Pay and former leader Des Hasler.
Hasler was shown the door by the Bulldogs board in September last year, who claimed ''the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary''.
The 57-year-old was at the helm of the Doggies between 2012 and 2017 where he oversaw 88 wins from his 155 games in charge.
Pay left his post at Canberra, where he served five years as Ricky Stuart's assistant after previously doing a year with Stuart at Parramatta.
Morris is entering his twelfth season in the NRL, and 10th with the Bulldogs, and he believes the squad has been refreshed with the change of leadership.
"He's a lot more relaxed than what we have had with Des," Morris said.
"He's got his own views and his own philosophies.
"He likes to back the players and let them play to their strengths."
Morris is also aware of less structure and restriction at Belmore with Pay running the show.
The coach isn't the only change at the Bulldogs, however, with a number of players heading in and out of the club over the off-season.
Core members Josh Reynolds, James Graham and Sam Kasiano all left the club, while Kieren Foran and Aaron Woods have boosted the ranks.
27-year-old and incumbent Blues forward Josh Jackson has also been named the new captain, and Morris has already noticed a shift in attitude.
"There has been a bit of a change, there's been a few players added to the leadership group and they've taken that with both hands," Morris said.
"You have blokes like Kieren and Aaron come across, while we have lost players like Josh and James, these players definitely fill the void."
Canterbury bested the Canberra Raiders 16-12 in their first trial match of the season last Saturday, with Foran and hooker Michael Lichaa starring.
The Bulldogs begin their 2018 campaign on Saturday, March 10 against the reigning premiers Melbourne Storm at Optus Stadium in Perth.
The club has undergone more changes in recent weeks, with chairman Ray Dib and the majority of his board being overthrown in a dramatic end to the Bulldogs' acrimonious board elections.
Lynne Anderson is the new chairperson.
From sporting news. Nothing new really. Players taking turn each week to say the obvious, pay is different from des.
Hasler was shown the door by the Bulldogs board in September last year, who claimed ''the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary''.
The 57-year-old was at the helm of the Doggies between 2012 and 2017 where he oversaw 88 wins from his 155 games in charge.
Pay left his post at Canberra, where he served five years as Ricky Stuart's assistant after previously doing a year with Stuart at Parramatta.
Morris is entering his twelfth season in the NRL, and 10th with the Bulldogs, and he believes the squad has been refreshed with the change of leadership.
"He's a lot more relaxed than what we have had with Des," Morris said.
"He's got his own views and his own philosophies.
"He likes to back the players and let them play to their strengths."
Morris is also aware of less structure and restriction at Belmore with Pay running the show.
The coach isn't the only change at the Bulldogs, however, with a number of players heading in and out of the club over the off-season.
Core members Josh Reynolds, James Graham and Sam Kasiano all left the club, while Kieren Foran and Aaron Woods have boosted the ranks.
27-year-old and incumbent Blues forward Josh Jackson has also been named the new captain, and Morris has already noticed a shift in attitude.
"There has been a bit of a change, there's been a few players added to the leadership group and they've taken that with both hands," Morris said.
"You have blokes like Kieren and Aaron come across, while we have lost players like Josh and James, these players definitely fill the void."
Canterbury bested the Canberra Raiders 16-12 in their first trial match of the season last Saturday, with Foran and hooker Michael Lichaa starring.
The Bulldogs begin their 2018 campaign on Saturday, March 10 against the reigning premiers Melbourne Storm at Optus Stadium in Perth.
The club has undergone more changes in recent weeks, with chairman Ray Dib and the majority of his board being overthrown in a dramatic end to the Bulldogs' acrimonious board elections.
Lynne Anderson is the new chairperson.
From sporting news. Nothing new really. Players taking turn each week to say the obvious, pay is different from des.
