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The court case will decide whether or not the alleged wrestling was unlawful punishment and/or humiliation. I think the claim talks about deprivation of liberty and corporal punishment? I can't think of any situation where unlawful detention, punishment or humiliation of another human being is...

How come you know about the Lakemba operation? That's classified Top Secret.

Hopefully no-one has a problem with more being put into player welfare. And that includes everything from reporting working place hazards like sharp edges on witches hats to making sure players are ready for their post-NRL career and can avoid early-onset dementia. The Bulldogs have always been...

Doesn't it depend on the fart? Was the fart intended to humiliate the player in front of his peers? Did the fart put the player at risk of suffocation from methane gas? Did each of the 30 players have a kebab with extra onion and chilli for breakfast? Is Channel 7 paying for Topine's...

Any Bulldogs fans interested in joining a class action against the club and Trent Barrett for “deprivation of liberty” and “unlawful corporal punishment” for the 2021 season?

There used to be a shop in Waverley St, right at the Campsie end of Edison St. Can remember my mum getting me some mixed lollies in there. Probably about 6 for a penny. Must have been about 1961.

Assuming Gus is interested, his pitch will be the Bulldogs are on the up and a better chance of winning premierships over the next few years than Penrith, who have peaked. Otherwise he will be asking a premium to join Bulldogs and Gus will not pay overs. We have plenty of front row talent coming...

Ciraldo waited until Rd 9 or 10 last year before dropping Flanagan. He seems to plan his team selections around the draw. I expected him to wait until the bye, but he might significantly increase the chances of winning with a tactical change at half back this week.

I agree. I posted at the beginning of the season that for the first 6 weeks Ciraldo would not make unnecessary changes so players have time to build combinations & defensive patterns - and then consider changes for the Knights game or after the bye. Now the team has some good patterns in...

Front page of today's Herald Sun: RAPIST AND A LOSER

Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins. Brittany Higgins is an amazing, strong and courageous woman. Who publicly stood up to her rapist despite the trauma of being raped and knowing how hard it would be for her. I wish her all the best in the future. Bruce Lehrmann has another rape case coming...

"When we win more moments, we'll win more game The one thing we're missing is Terry Lamb.

"The Storm have said nothing about Channel 9 commentator Phil Gould, who casually commented during the coverage that he saw the Storm practising it in their warm-up." Was this from last night? That's a pretty serious allegation.

The players who stood up and stood out is more important than how many points to give them. So I agree there were at least those 6 - Tracey, Kiraz, Fox, Kikau, Xerri and Curran who excelled. I'd like to add Mahoney. He cops a bit of criticism on this forum, but I'm a fan. He has been playing...

Good to see Hughes get a fine only. I like his aggro. He gets better every week. But he needs to be smarter.

i posted earlier, others may have as well, that Kautoga could have been called offside as he probably was. a more recent post says he did the same thing in cup recently I've seen him miss tackles in cup but not as bad as that as far as i can recall. i would like to give him the benefit of the...

Agree with this, although don't support the use of a cuss word. Crichton has a lot on his plate but has the talent to become a Bulldogs legend. As a leader and as a player.

It does look that way. Although the media is hyping up Crichton as the greatest leader since General Macarthur, I suspect he still has a lot to learn about captaincy and on-field communication, especially from his wide position. It may simply be he is learning when he needs to get involved as...

Ciraldo will be the game's No1 coach in one or two seasons. The game is changing fast and the coaches with new ideas and who can make them work are the ones who will succeed. Over the past week a Ciraldo-coached side successfully prepared for a game against the Storm at home. And despite having...

How to fit in Xerri, Crichton and JAC on that left side? That is the question.

3 Curran 2 Xerri 1 JAC

I thought I saw Crichton out of position a couple of times trying to organise. Would seem to be a waste and a distraction for him. He was putting unnecessary pressure on himself by trying to take responsibility for everything, eg with those kicks.

Feel sorry for Taaffe as he has obviously worked hard to get to first grade FB standard. But Tracey does seem to offer a little bit more from the back. I'm not buying into the Taaffe at 7 debate - still getting over Barrett's Averillo experiment. Xerri shouldn't look back from here.

It's weird how most decisions Ciraldo makes seem to be clever. The side was psyched up and seemed to have a plan. But then I look at things like Turpin at lock and Sexton superglued to the bench and Patolo start and play for 15 minutes and start to wonder is it a hit and miss strategy? What is...

It was such a bad miss it is possible Kautoga was called offside. Which he probably was. If not it was a shocker. And cost the game. Although Hutchison's attempt to beat four defenders 3 minutes from FT on the last was a also a good attempt to throw the game away.

Or Rothfield was half right. Ciraldo isn't picking the team. Hutchison's missus is.

Although Cameron Ciraldo may not agree riding his push bike from Stanwell Park to Belmore is a way to loosen up for training. And then riding back after training. And having an ocean swim. :) :)

I'd like to see Skelton develop as a specialist 17. To come on early in the backs or forwards if there is an early injury as a strike weapon late in a tight game. I have banged on about this for ages but the NRL has made the game too fast and too high impact and players bodies are not keeping...

Like many others I was feeling pretty confident until we lost King. Despite that, I don't think Dogs will be intimidated. They will have plenty of energy. And the squad has been training to the same system since pre-season began so they should know their roles. I'll be watching the two...

Nah. It's always beer o'clock.

Interesting how last year's grand finalists are at the bottom.? Who is out? Tracey?

What about Schuster? Could come cheap with Manly taking the hit on his $800k salary.

Disrespectful or an opportunity? I agree, Bulldogs were robbed against Souths as well. There has been money for dogs this morning so most value has now dissapeared. Maybe one place left for a bit of value on a speccie bet is a Bulldog player to score multiple tries? eg Matt Burton to score 3...

So Xerri and JAC are on Kikau's left side? That's right isn't it? Outside Burton and with Crichton chiming in? And they're up against Meaney, Warbrick, Hughes and Katoa? With Papenhuyzen watching Tedesco's tackle on Kikau last week for tips. Have I got that right?

I couldn't work out if Kikau is out or not? NRL article doesn't mention him. If Kikau is playing then basically the only changes from last Friday are two outside backs and two bench players. And we're coming off a win, after scoring 26 points in the first half against the Roosters. And were the...

I agree. Maybe it is just semantics? What I meant is the referees are not receiving money for providing a specific outcome. And therefore not specifically corrupt. If referees are trying to make a game more exciting to keep V'Landys and Sportsbet happy, what Cleary called 'game management' is...

I don't believe the referees are corrupt or that actual game results cn be 'bought' for betting or whatever. My suspicion is more along the lines of the NRL is too close to the gambling industry. V'Landys has actually said that he sees gambling as 'entertainment', additional to the entertainment...

Can only see another 8 or 9 wins in this year's draw at best. Of course it's not possible to predict the future. We don't for example how many games Sutton will officiate. But another 12-13 wins does seem challenging. They're doing a great job though and hopefully keep a couple of season tickets...

Mate, I'm as gay as a bloke can be... but even I've got to admit Sophie Monk is quite the specimen.

Probably a few at Belmore training right now while last night's crew tender their knocks. If Hopoi, Todd, Hayes, Hayward or Tetevano don't play today then they must be in the frame for Storm. Faamausili is a bit unclear at the moment. Will be interesting if Papali'i or Skelton don't play or get...

Exactly, that was the plan. To get the team settled into its game plan by Round 6, more disciplined and avoid injuries. Maybe get 2 or 3 wins. We got the win last night but next two games will be a challenge with injury toll.

I thought I heard the (new?) rule is if the ball stays in contact with the chest then it is not considered to be promoting the ball, even if grounded, lifted and then grounded again. If that is correct then players seem to be practising doing exactly what Manu did. Which is basically a 'legal'...

Robinson's motive for those comments was to soften up the judiciary. It seems to have worked. The problem is the NRL allowing coaches to make such comments before judiciary have looked at a penalty. It creates a perception coaches can influence penalties. If they let him do it, why wouldn't he...

Does this mean a few players originally named in NSW cup have been moved straight to the squad getting ready for next week? If that is the case will be interesting to see if Papali'i plays. And maybe Skelton as well?

Next week's fullback needs to be someone who can come up unto the line like Taaffe has been and who knows the plays off Hutchison and Burton. So I think Wilson is unlikely. Crichton has deficiencies at FB and may be better off staying in centres. So Papali'i could be a realistic option. If...

Shouldn't that be 'fowl' play?

1 - Kikau for making an important tackle on one leg. 2 - Kikau for the double pump before passing to Burton. 3 - Kikau for not even bothering to dummy the second time and running straight over Tedesco.

It reminded me of that game against Saints at Belmore when Docker-Clay ended up at 13 and it just turned to shit from there. The players didn't have a clear idea what they were supposed to be doing. It's way Ciraldo hasn't made any unforced selection changes. He always knew they would fall...

Salmon was moved to the centres rather than wing. So Crichton played fullback rather than Tracey. Xerri, JAC and Wilson can all take up a wing spot next week so Tracey can play fullback.

Exactly. They can watch a video with one half of how to play. And another half of how not to play. Which is what they watch most weeks.

Ciraldo has been using the same players, running the same moves and the same defensive patterns all year out of fear if he made a single change the whole thing would collapse. Well he was right. That is exactly what happened. Taaffe got injured and forced a reshuffle. And it all went pear...

Maybe it was a message from God we need to sign more utilities?

Rugby league 'journalism' is an oxymoron. Anyone who aspires to be a real 'journalist' is not going to work in rugby league. It's why most of them are ex-players or started became 'journalists' only because their old man lined up a cadetship in the sports section in the Daily Telegraph to stop...

All I can hear is the pounding of rain on the roof. Would be surprised if today is the day to bring in a new half. Although a bigger forward with good hands on the bench would be handy.

It is part of the problem. Other aspects are our forwards don't drag in enough defenders. It's also why I'd like to see Taaffe up in the line more - he can be inside or outside Hutchison. Although, from memory, he was actually outside Hutchison when Hutchison dummied with 3 minutes to go last...

Exactly right. There are always going to be forced changes so why unsettle the team further by switching key players around? If Sexton is picked and gets doesn't do much better, which would be highly likely, then what has been achieved? Ciraldo has decided on a core set up and he will get these...

They will certainly know how to read his dummy. Mind you, every other defense has as well. He just needs to get it out wide.

It's possible Hughes needs to get fired up to perform. Maybe the idea is to see if some Warea-Hargreaves, Collins or Radley niggle can get Hughes wound up? If those three can't, no-one will.

There are a stack of young guys on lower grades with managers taking calls from other clubs. Halfbacks, front rowers, talent at every level. This the Bulldogs' real problem. And Gus knows it. Not weekly team selections.

Gus is the one who keeps saying the rebuild will take time. It is obvious team selections are driven by what is best for the long term objectives of the rebuild. Like establishing solid defensive patterns and stability in the playing group. Rather then experimenting with playmakers, blooding...

Hayward, Sexton and Xerri named in NSW Cup while Patolo, Faamausili not named. Looking at the Bulldogs side - and comparing that with the opposition - surely bringing in one of these bigger guys is a serious option? Having all three of Curran, Mann and Salmon just seems to be too light against...

Losing Preston has exposed a serious lack of forward depth. This will be the biggest test so far of Gus's 'cultural change'.

Don't worry, serious punters have worked it out. And the NRL knows it too. It's why so many 'news' stories on the nrl.com page are about 'explaining' refereeing decisions. Trying to period they're transparent when in fact they have a problem and they need to spin their way out of it. The NRL...

He is not a journalist. He lacks coherence and relevance.

If it is not illegal to line up a defender's jaw with the point of your shoulder then it should be. The front on footage was really clear. Mitchell looked straight at Preston and then turned his shoulder towards Preston, either dangerously towards Preston's incoming head or with the actual...

Perhaps we got away with the NRL Good Friday farce in a better position than in previous years? Only a couple of injuries and a minor suspension, not the dodgy 10 weeks suspension of a key player that we have seen previously. Sure, Bulldogs fans will endure many more games this year where...

Including JAC it would seem.

Considering Gus has already signed at last three of the best young halves in the game, the suggestion Bulldogs are being avoided doesn't hold water. (Scotch maybe. But not water) This tweet does give away an agenda. Especially as it is pretty bleeding obvious all the churn in players was...

Josh Reynolds like so many other blue and white diehards was looking forward to the game all week. Which means, win or lose, looking forward to an exciting and entertaining game. But what we get week after week is for incompetent 'officiating' to be the centre of attention. Not the actual game...

Wouldn't Hutchison have until the bye before being dumped for Sexton. It's not about experimenting with Sexton for just one week. He would need at least 6 weeks to justify the changes to defensive and attacking structures. Such a change would be made after Newcastle with two weeks for...

How many times has this happened to Bulldogs just this season alone? No on-field penalty yet player cited. And what bothers me about Preston's fractured jaw is you could see from the ball runner's eyes what his intention was. And nailed Preston on the jaw with the point of his shoulder. A...

Key takeaways: 1 Was the JAC sideshow a distraction? If so, it should not have been. 2 Ciraldo needs to take responsibility for the decision to play JAC. And admit his mistake to Wilson especially. Who's in charge of this side? Ciraldo or JAC's publicity machine? 3 Hutchison butchered at...

Meanwhile, in Flegg, Bulldogs leading Souffs 24-0 at half time. Too big for them. Souffs pleasing spending a lot of time on the ground moaning and clutching at their ribs. Alekolasimi is now known only by that name apparently. He's dropped the Jones. Alekolasimi Jones was kind of cool. I think...

That's interesting because I noticed Kautoga was a shorter price to score a try than other reserves after the team was announced. It seemed odd. In fact on TAB he is 5.50, shorter than each of Curran, Mann and Salmon who are actually playing. JAC is 2.20... Maybe they're both playing?

Souths' win price shortened after Sutton was named... Although it has come back since. In fact there seems to have been a couple of Bulldogs prices that have come in today. Smart money or just loyal fans? For example 80/1 for Souths to score 0 points is now 67/1. Ciraldo has focused on...

Ciraldo has made discipline just as important as areas like defence and injury management. Although Mahoney has sailed close to the wind a couple of times, only Kikau has been cited in 3 rounds. This week will be a test as Souths often resort to niggle when under pressure. Hopefully no-one takes...

Maybe the difference between Tracey and Taaffe is that Taaffe has more potential in attack when playing closer to the ruck? For example backing up offloads or as an additional half in passing movements? Tracey looked good on Saturday but is better playing wide. He looks good with a bit of space...

Taaffe seemed to play closer to the action yesterday. Including a few plays in the halves. He only needs a couple of opportunities in broken play to show what he can do and the pressure will be off. If Ciraldo sticks with him he will improve each week just like every other player has been...

Even though the only person who seemed to be saying Flanagan was a candidate for the Bulldogs job was Flanagan, we definitely dodged a bullet there. Ciraldo is going to be the game's No1 coach as soon as he gets some finals experience as coach (rather than assistant).

3 - Kikau 2 - Kiraz 1 - Preston: for his half time interview on Fox. Worth watching if anyone missed and has it recorded. Great defense in the face of probing questions and his fear of public speaking. And timed his escape perfectly when he heard the words 'thanks Jacob'.

Given the poor quality of the opposition yesterday, that was effectively a trial game. The 2024 season starts next Friday. The main selection question for Ciraldo will be who does JAC replace? Tracey, Wilson or Taaffe? If there are changes to the bench only Patolo and Hopoi looked like they...

One reason we might expect a good performance tomorrow is the amount of competition for first grade spots. Although Ciraldo is keeping his powder dry and not making changes for these early games, he will soon get serious about promoting NRL Cup players on their merits. I can count at least 7...

Agree entirely. Players are more than aware of the risks. The NRL has responsibility for providing a safe workplace. I just watched the Fox 'mini' and heard the commentators talking about May's 'duty of care'. The NRL has primary duty of care to provide a safe workplace. If it is proven to be...

Maybe there are some lawyers on The Kennel who can clarify, but I thought the comparable legal concept is negligence (or recklessness) on the part of someone who has a 'duty of care'. Duty of care is about the responsibilities we have for each other. It is only when there is 'negligence' that...

The refereeing standards are not keeping up with the increased speed of the game and the NRL needs to take ownership. Making last week's ref the scapegoat does not help. In fact, it discourages people from signing up. There has never been any evidence of referee corruption. So I think it's...

If Knight does well this weekend, Faamausili might take Morrin's bench spot for Souths. Wouldn't hurt to beef up the bench for Roosters and Storm. If Tracey plays well enough to keep a spot when Fox returns, it might be at the expense of Taaffe rather than Wilson. Who remembers Gary Dowling...

Great to read abiut his positive attitude and that he's already started running. His body is still growing so the missed season is not such a big deal. The most important thing is fully recover. My prediction is he will be on the bench or playing 13 in Origin in 4 or 5 years. But for the wrong...

Tough NSW cup game against Panthers will be a good test to see where the depth players are at.

Patolo selected as a reserve. JAC And Patolo named as a reserve. Which is good news too.

Sounds like everything is on track. A string of wins is not far away.

Doesn't Ramadan food festival open around 6pm in Lakemba? Best food in Sydney.

The Bulldogs never stopped giving 100% on Friday. Saint George threw in the towel at half time. I don't know if Flanagan was ever seriously considered at Bulldogs. If so, we dodged a bullet there. Wayne Bennett is good at quick fixes, or running teams rorting the salary keep. But he has not...

The NRL has an audience development department to make the game attractive to broadcasters, gamblers and fans. Which is always helped by speeding up the game and making sure there is plenty of aggression and violence. The audience development department loves explosive contact on hit ups. It is...

The position of the referee was visible to Trindall the whole time. Trindall made his own decision where to position himself as the attack unfolded and has to take some responsibility for ending up on the wrong side of the ref. Trindall also had the opportunity to step forward past the referee...

Seems pretty obvious to me Ciraldo is building culture and defensive patterns without going into a panic about results. Improvements are already obvious in defense and culture. So it is working. Despite results. Tetevano, Suluka-Fifita will come into calculations next few weeks to slot into...

Does V'Landys still have a role in Racing NSW because horse racing is now completely driven by online gambling? Has Sharks Park (sorry 'PointsBet' Stadium) really been redeveloped as an NRL residential precinct? Although I'm not sure who actually owns it. And wasn't Vegas about trying to...

One maybe two wins by round 7 then maybe a few Ciraldo tweaks to add some spark and a couple more wins by Rd 10. So 3 or 4 by round 10. After the Panthers game things will continue to improve and hopefully 8-10 wins from the rest of the season to just miss out on the 8.

Exactly. Burton and Hutchison are the best options at this stage of the season. Tetevano and Suluka-Fifita may help up front when ready but even then we're a long way from taking a risk with more creative players. Burton needs to step up. But even if he doesn't, there are few serious options...

And the injury he actually suffered might have been made worse by keeping him on than if he had a broken collarbone. As well, a lot of the criticism was also about the lack of on-field communication - that led to him getting the ball in a vulnerable position. The whole thing looked sloppy.

At some stage Tetevano and Suluka-Fifita will be available. Defensive patterns and the new combinations will be set. The next 5 weeks will be tough but after that we will start to move up the ladder.