News Canterbury Bulldogs 2020 NRL preview: Team list, burning questions

TwinTurbo

Kennel Legend
Gilded
Joined
Oct 22, 2018
Messages
9,347
Reaction score
15,418
I dont understand the hate or dislike for lachie, he may not have what everyone wants out of a halve and thats totally fair but he's a good solid footy player that puts in those 1%ers in a game when its most needed, he deserves a spot in the team and with a few xtra heavy sets in the weights room he'll make a good lock forward along with his handy (not special) skills with the ball.
The other lot that you've mentioned apart from jacko and stimson dont fill me with confidence as a lock forward to the dynamics of (my) forward pack, yours may be different so i wont argue with it.
Those rookies you mentioned are a definite possibility but still way off with what is in front of them, and this is another topic altogether, way too many "no frills" forwards.
Make the chop and move on i say.
I have absolutely no hate for Lewis, but I don't see his skill set suiting the oft suggested backrower position. Whilst I do see plenty of others that we already have in our team with those skill sets eg; he doesn't have the speed of CHN, the offload of Britt, the punch through power of RFM or Jackson's overall game prowess. I see Lewis's skill set as being ideal for a large frame 5/8 (like Sutton for example) but he needs to use those skills more effectively in every game. They are there, we have all seen them in glimpses, he just needs to turn them on more regularly.

Go Dogs
 

TwinTurbo

Kennel Legend
Gilded
Joined
Oct 22, 2018
Messages
9,347
Reaction score
15,418
like when people write anthologies ??
Can't say as I've seen any poetry written or music composed on TK, but there are a few literary anthologies that I have found interesting to read.

Go Dogs
 

albatross

Kennel Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 3, 2017
Messages
2,210
Reaction score
2,564
I have absolutely no hate for Lewis, but I don't see his skill set suiting the oft suggested backrower position. Whilst I do see plenty of others that we already have in our team with those skill sets eg; he doesn't have the speed of CHN, the offload of Britt, the punch through power of RFM or Jackson's overall game prowess. I see Lewis's skill set as being ideal for a large frame 5/8 (like Sutton for example) but he needs to use those skills more effectively in every game. They are there, we have all seen them in glimpses, he just needs to turn them on more regularly.

Go Dogs
I disagree - it's not that Lewis doesn't use the skills of a Sutton, he just doesn't have them. I thought at one point he could develop into a Travis Norton style of player but he doesn't have the balance to stand and overload, or the vision to poke his head through the line and slip passes. I'm surprised he isn't more robust in attack cause he doesn't lack courage, but he doesn't have any of the clever subtleties of a Sutton IMO.
 

Natboy

Banned
Premium Member
SC H2H Champion
SC Top Scorer
Joined
Aug 11, 2019
Messages
8,945
Reaction score
11,608
I disagree - it's not that Lewis doesn't use the skills of a Sutton, he just doesn't have them. I thought at one point he could develop into a Travis Norton style of player but he doesn't have the balance to stand and overload, or the vision to poke his head through the line and slip passes. I'm surprised he isn't more robust in attack cause he doesn't lack courage, but he doesn't have any of the clever subtleties of a Sutton IMO.
I see that coming with experience and confidence but he really needs to show it this year if he wants to remain a first grader here
 

Spoonman84

Kennel Immortal
Premium Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2013
Messages
17,736
Reaction score
31,795
I disagree - it's not that Lewis doesn't use the skills of a Sutton, he just doesn't have them. I thought at one point he could develop into a Travis Norton style of player but he doesn't have the balance to stand and overload, or the vision to poke his head through the line and slip passes. I'm surprised he isn't more robust in attack cause he doesn't lack courage, but he doesn't have any of the clever subtleties of a Sutton IMO.
You’re spot on he just doesn’t have athletic abilities to break the line. He lacks pace, isn’t very strong and doesn’t have agility. Normally that’s off set by ball playing and vision and that’s not a strong point either. He is very similar to Josh Reynolds in that lots of his plays come from effort rather the talent or skill.
 

CrittaMagic69

Kennel Immortal
Premium Member
Gilded
SC H2H Champion
2 x SC Draft Champ
Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
72,482
Reaction score
77,733
You’re spot on he just doesn’t have athletic abilities to break the line. He lacks pace, isn’t very strong and doesn’t have agility. Normally that’s off set by ball playing and vision and that’s not a strong point either. He is very similar to Josh Reynolds in that lots of his plays come from effort rather the talent or skill.
Reynolds at least had a decent running game.
 

khan

Kennel Enthusiast
Joined
May 10, 2015
Messages
1,212
Reaction score
724
I have absolutely no hate for Lewis, but I don't see his skill set suiting the oft suggested backrower position. Whilst I do see plenty of others that we already have in our team with those skill sets eg; he doesn't have the speed of CHN, the offload of Britt, the punch through power of RFM or Jackson's overall game prowess. I see Lewis's skill set as being ideal for a large frame 5/8 (like Sutton for example) but he needs to use those skills more effectively in every game. They are there, we have all seen them in glimpses, he just needs to turn them on more regularly.

Go Dogs
After his 1st year in the position the jury was out, and its easy to point this out in hindsight but for a coach that has been around the game for a while he needed to make some tough calls and stick with em.

In the time he's been a head coach at our club i fail to see him doing this. So in other words the onus is on the coach for what hes turned out like and what he could have become.
For me hes a deadset lock forward and if he was prepd for it over the last 12months then we would have a more accomplished lachlan lewis wearing the 13.
 

Novdoggie

Kennel Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 19, 2016
Messages
3,371
Reaction score
4,546
Eh, don't know where the dig up this shyte from, his recovery is doing well, he's working hard (as usual) and is currently on schedule for a mid season return (that's playing).

Go Dogs
Awesome, all rise and give Foran a round of applause. He'll play approx. 12 games according to you or if he plays at all according to the article.

I applaud his courage but not his selfishness when you compare other players in past years that have retired unselfishly because they knew they couldn't cut it anymore and knowing they would be taking a spot up in the 30 when it could go to a development player or signing. I would rather play Wakeman the whole year and miss out on the eight than play Foran for half a year if we are lucky should he go down again which remains to be seen.
 

Spoonman84

Kennel Immortal
Premium Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2013
Messages
17,736
Reaction score
31,795
After his 1st year in the position the jury was out, and its easy to point this out in hindsight but for a coach that has been around the game for a while he needed to make some tough calls and stick with em.

In the time he's been a head coach at our club i fail to see him doing this. So in other words the onus is on the coach for what hes turned out like and what he could have become.
For me hes a deadset lock forward and if he was prepd for it over the last 12months then we would have a more accomplished lachlan lewis wearing the 13.
Lewis would get absolutely dominated with the ball at lock . It would put so much pressure on the rest of the pack to make up for his lack of run meters.
 

flamebouyant

Kennel Legend
Joined
Sep 27, 2016
Messages
10,012
Reaction score
14,736
On the verge of signing a new deal that will kickstart a $4 million spending spree, Wakeham headlines the new breed of Bulldog that will this year attempt to return the club to finals football for the first time since 2016.

“It is certainly a good time to be a young player at our club,’’ Bulldogs boss Andrew Hill said.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for our next generation and the future is certainly looking bright.”



Brandon Wakeham could lead the Bulldogs into the future. Picture: Shane Myers/NRL Photos

The Bulldogs will be hoping generation next can turn them into a top-eight team with young guns Wakeham, Morgan Harper, Jackson Topine, Jake Averillo and Isaiah Tass all expected to play NRL this year.

With 10 full-time spots up for grabs next season, Hill said a finals charge could force the club to recruit from within.

“A lot of players are out to impress Dean and the coaching staff this year,” Hill said.

“Players coming through the local system and players who have just come into the system have a big opportunity. There are spots in our club and they could cement them for many years to come.”

After finishing 12th last year, the Bulldogs are hoping for another year of improvement before a much-improved salary cap position in 2021 gives them on opportunity to return to their place as a finals force.

With only workhorse forwards Dean Britt and Joe Stimson recruited to the club, the Bulldogs will be relying on an up-and-comer to give them the match winning strike power they desperately need.

THE ROSTER

Who’s in: Dean Britt (Rabbitohs), Joe Stimson (Storm), Sione Katoa (Panthers), Isaiah Tass (upgraded from development list), Jake Averillo (upgraded from lower grades)

Who’s out: Fa’amanu Brown, Danny Fualalo, Michael Lichaa, John Olive (all released), Connelly Leumelu (Cowboys), Kaiyne-Lee Kalache

Canterbury failed to hit the market in any significant way with their biggest recruit a bench player from the Melbourne Storm. While Stimson is expected to add some starch to the pack, the Bulldogs will be relying on an unknown to jump out of the box and give them strike power and points.

The hooking spot may also prove an issue with the club without a recognised specialist No.9. Jeremy Marshall-King is in line for first crack but will need to prove he can handle the defensive workload in the middle.


Off-contract 2020: Jack Cogger, Adam Elliott, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Kieran Foran, Morgan Harper, Kerrod Holland, Marcelo Montoya, Sauaso Sue, Isaiah Tass, Aiden Tolman, Brandon Wakeham

Transfer targets: Josh Addo Carr, Nick Cotric, Harry Grant, Jordan Kahu and Anthony Milford.

Canterbury are set to embark on a $4 million spending spree, with Josh Addo-Carr at the top of a shopping list that could result in 11 players recruited to the club by the end of next year.

With 2021 shaping as the Year of the Dog, only 17 players are guaranteed to survive beyond 2020, with arguably the club’s most important recruitment drive to start on November 1.

Having already snared English front-row target Luke Thompson on a rich three-year deal, the Bulldogs will turn their attention to snare a marquee outside back in a bid to buy potency. Addo-Carr is target No.1 while the club is also expected to make a play for rising Raider Nick Cotric.

Josh Addo-Carr is a transfer target for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs are also on the hunt for a hooker and have made secret inquiries about Cameron Smith’s heir apparent, Harry Grant. It is understood the club has already knocked back a backdoor approach from Nathan Peats.

The club’s biggest challenge may be finding a replacement for Kieran Foran. With no big-name playmakers off-contract at the end of the year, the Bulldogs are desperately hoping to find a star within their own ranks. Off-contract young guns Jack Cogger and Brandon Wakeham will be closely watched.

Burning question: Who is the next Kieran Foran?

With Foran in danger of missing the entire season, the Bulldogs need one of their four young halves to step up and show they are the next big thing.

Jack Cogger has all-but cemented the first starting spot but the former Newcastle Knight is yet to prove himself a matchwinner.

Lachlan Lewis, Wakeham and Marshall-King are all competing for the other spot, although the latter is expected to fill the hooking role vacated by discarded rake Lichaa.
Lewis was given a contract extension last year despite spending time in reserve grade and has an edge over Wakeham when it comes to experience. But Wakeham is considered a potential star and is out to make season 2020 his breakout year.

It’s a big year for: Dean Pay


Off-contract at the end of the year, Pay will be racing the clock to earn himself another deal.

Inheriting a salary cap mess when he took over from Des Hasler in 2019, Pay has won just 18 games – and lost 30 – in his two full years as the Bulldogs coach.

The club only demanded the Bulldogs show improvement under Pay after publicly acknowledging that back-ended deals had left him hamstrung.

Pay met the demand – just. Finishing 12th in both 2018 and 2019, the Bulldogs won two more games last year than the previous season. While he hasn’t been able to hit the open market in a big way, Pay has been able to recruit players thanks to a series of cap space freeing offloads. A number of players, including Aaron Woods, Moses Mbye and Dave Klemmer, left to join other clubs in a move that freed up salary cap cash.


The Bulldogs were able to free up the cash to sign Cogger, Nick Meaney, Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dylan Napa and Dallin Watene Zelezniak for 2019 and Stimson and Britt for 2020.

The Bulldogs have also invested in putting a team around Pay by appointing club great Steve Price as the general manager of football and Steve Litvensky as the football manager.

Dave Hamilton and Craig Wilson were also brought to the club in development roles.

A poor season start will almost certainly cost Pay his job.

Generation Next spearhead bright Bulldogs future

Brandon Wakeham: Half Fijian, half Lebanese, Wakeham has already tasted Test football with the No.7 showcasing his potential by starring for the Bati. Hailing from Chester Hill, Wakeham is out to snare a starting spot in the halves.

Potentially the Bulldogs’ best attacking playmaking option, Wakeham possess both speed and a step, while his kicking and organisational games are a work in progress.

Morgan Harper: Entering his second year in the full-time squad, Harper is hoping to break out this season after making his debut in 2019. An outside back plucked out of New Zealand, Harper is an attacking weapon with plenty of potential.

Jackson Topine: Signed until the end of 2022, Topine is an early favourite to claim the NRL’s rookie of the year. Certain to get plenty of opportunity in a no-frills Bulldogs pack, the former Australian Schoolboys captain is a 96kg ball-running back-rower.

Isaiah Tass: An outside back, Tass earned a spot in the Bulldogs’ full-time squad following a barnstorming year in the Canterbury Cup. Recruited from Mackay in 2018, Tass is an 185cm winger who can also play centre.

Pre-season hero: Nick Meaney.

Word is that he came back looking like a “first grader” to storm through his second full-time off-season. One of the Bulldogs’ standouts in 2019, the fullback-turned-winger has lost none of his pace despite packing on fresh muscle.

The best player you’ve never heard of

The Bulldogs’ NRL bolter is expected to be outside back Jake Averillo. A Canterbury junior hailing from Moorebank, Averillo was a last-minute addition to the Bulldogs’ full-time squad and is expecting to push for an NRL spot this year. Privately, the coaching staff are tipping him for big things.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...s/news-story/ff1b7df1e71add4097bc8bb5a869d08a
Great read. Cheers for posting @Spoonman84 we are a team with a lot to prove this year, and I'm confident we are in for a very good year. The top 8 is certainly not out of the question IMO.
 

khan

Kennel Enthusiast
Joined
May 10, 2015
Messages
1,212
Reaction score
724
Lewis would get absolutely dominated with the ball at lock . It would put so much pressure on the rest of the pack to make up for his lack of run meters.
Its gona take time like anything, when it comes to his attacking ability wearing the 13, he has other strengths to cover himself till he gets a good feel of the position.
 

flamebouyant

Kennel Legend
Joined
Sep 27, 2016
Messages
10,012
Reaction score
14,736
Yh he really just needed that confidence and to continue conditioning his body... his acceleration is very good yet he looked so flat for large parts of the season, was keen to see if he could kick on from the backend of last season.
I think easing him into fg on the wing was definitely the right way to do it. Of course it only happened because of the DWZ signing, but fb is a tough position, and the half season he played there, in his rookie year, was the reason he was a little flat. Perhaps Pay saw this, and recruited DWZ accordingly.
It wouldn't surprise me if DWZ ended up back in the centres down the line, or even transitioned into the back row down the line. He runs hard and tackles hard, so hw could make a fist of any of those positions.
 

flamebouyant

Kennel Legend
Joined
Sep 27, 2016
Messages
10,012
Reaction score
14,736
DWZ
JAC
Cotric
Hopoate
Smith
Milford
Wakeham
Thompson
Grant
Napa
CHN
Jackson
Toomaga

RFM
Stimson
Britt
Ogden
Averilo? Harper? Personally id love to see averilo and wakeham become our long term halves. Its a shame they keep playing Averilo in the centres.
 

DogsOfWar1704

Kennel Addict
Premium Member
Ladder Champion
Joined
Jan 25, 2020
Messages
6,406
Reaction score
10,466
Idk I think wakeham and bondi
Averilo? Harper? Personally id love to see averilo and wakeham become our long term halves. Its a shame they keep playing Averilo in the centres.
odo will/ should be our future halves.
 

flamebouyant

Kennel Legend
Joined
Sep 27, 2016
Messages
10,012
Reaction score
14,736
On this one, we have Jackson, Stimson, Britt, CHN and RFM who IMHO are far ahead of Lewis in regards to a back row position. Plus we have Roumanous and Doorey in the developing ranks. With Elliott, CSmith and Sue as backups. Quite frankly we don't need another back rower and as a result my view is that if Lewis doesn't make it as a 5/8 then he is superfluous to our needs going forward.

Go Dogs
Im talking further down the line, and with the seemingly inevitable return to smaller ball playing locks, he could be a good option at that point.
 
Top