What Richie doesn't mention is that there were no good mids available and havn't been for a couple of years including whats available next year. Only 2 decent props changed clubs this season, Leniu and Flegler and I am glad we didn't get Leniu. There was lots of speculation with Haas, Tino and Twal but they all stayed put.
The rest of mids that changed clubs were either average or young and needed developing. Like Keppie,
Aitasi James,
Mikaele and
Palasia who stayed in Qld. Baker was ok but not a top prop. So we had no choice hense
Faamausili and chasing Taukeiaho and ending up with Tetevano as a stop gap and Suluka-Fifita for development.
Its going to be the same next year. AFB is going to the Sharks and theres only a couple of good top line props available like
Hamlin-Uele who just resigned with the Sharks. Or maybe
Hess or one of the Dragon mids available like Molo or De Belin but they are average. The rest once again are young and untried or fringe NRL players that are not going to change things just more Suttons. Maybe McClean could be OK.
So I can understand the Bulldogs having a large treasure chest of money and there not being top players available. It makes sense to get what good players are available at the time like when Tracy and Curran came available. Getting a cheap backup hooker, good players to fill gaps.
This is only the 2nd year of a 5 year plan and the way Richie is going on its as though we had to have built a top side year 2. If we ended up with top mids we would have been weaker in the backs and halves. It takes time and the best thing is that we have invested heavily in young players and development and thats where its going to make the difference to the culture and attitudes of the players.
I am glad we didn't get Leniu for the sake of a tough mid or pay overs for Blake. May is a big miss but there was too much baggage. I think there are plenty of young props out there and it looks like we will have to make our own which will be much better because a big part of why the Bulldogs were called the Dogs of War because it wasn't just size but a Bulldog heart and mentality that you can't buy.
Thats why I think getting Klemmer back would be so great because he's got a Bulldog heart and has the size and mongrel and would be good for him to come back like Reynolds to finish his career.