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Stray Dog proves reliable guide
Karl deKroo
05mar05
SALARY cap pressure is expected to force the defending premier Canterbury Bulldogs to unload at least one of their stars this season. But they would have found room for Dennis Scott.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Scott revealed yesterday he had been offered a contract extension by the Bulldogs, before deciding to link with Melbourne Storm.
While he may lack the star quality of former teammates such as Sonny Bill Williams and Willie Mason, the fact Scott was offered a new deal underlined his importance at Belmore.
"Dennis came to Melbourne because he wanted a change," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said yesterday.
"Not because the Bulldogs were trying to get rid of him.
"I know they wanted to keep him and he is probably the first guy we have signed since I've been here who other clubs really wanted.
"That is a fair indication of his ability."
Bellamy approached Scott after Storm's Round 18 loss to the Bulldogs in Sydney last season.
The pair had crossed paths in Brisbane, where Bellamy was assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the Broncos and Scott was beginning his career.
Bellamy knew he was likely to lose experienced forwards Stephen Kearney, Rodney Howe and Danny Williams at the end of the year, and saw the 111-game prop as an ideal replacement.
"Dennis is very enthusiastic, very experienced and his attitude is very good," Bellamy said.
"He isn't a flash player by any means, but he does the little things very well and he doesn't have many errors in him.
"I know (coach) Steve Folkes was criticised for having him in his team when he had some big flashy forwards coming through, but Dennis is 100 per cent dependable.
"You can put him into any situation and you know he is going to get the job done for you. He is a real polished tradesman."
Scott played just 14 games for the Bulldogs last season, and missed the grand final triumph over the Roosters.
It was a major blow for a player who had given six years of loyal service to the club.
"I could have stayed," Scott said. "But I felt like I was ready for a change. I left the Dogs on very amicable terms, but I already know I've made the right choice."
Scott, 27, arrives as a senior statesman in a pack that is stacked with youth.
As a result, Bellamy has made him part of his leadership group and Scott is revelling in the added responsibility.
"I think that is probably the major difference between here and the Bulldogs," Scott said.
"The coaching staff seem to take a bit more notice of what the players, particularly the senior players, have to say.
"I think that is a real positive, obviously they don't take everything on board, but they respect the players' views."
Scott is likely to start Storm's season opener against Newcastle on March 13 from the interchange bench.
Karl deKroo
05mar05
SALARY cap pressure is expected to force the defending premier Canterbury Bulldogs to unload at least one of their stars this season. But they would have found room for Dennis Scott.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Scott revealed yesterday he had been offered a contract extension by the Bulldogs, before deciding to link with Melbourne Storm.
While he may lack the star quality of former teammates such as Sonny Bill Williams and Willie Mason, the fact Scott was offered a new deal underlined his importance at Belmore.
"Dennis came to Melbourne because he wanted a change," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said yesterday.
"Not because the Bulldogs were trying to get rid of him.
"I know they wanted to keep him and he is probably the first guy we have signed since I've been here who other clubs really wanted.
"That is a fair indication of his ability."
Bellamy approached Scott after Storm's Round 18 loss to the Bulldogs in Sydney last season.
The pair had crossed paths in Brisbane, where Bellamy was assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the Broncos and Scott was beginning his career.
Bellamy knew he was likely to lose experienced forwards Stephen Kearney, Rodney Howe and Danny Williams at the end of the year, and saw the 111-game prop as an ideal replacement.
"Dennis is very enthusiastic, very experienced and his attitude is very good," Bellamy said.
"He isn't a flash player by any means, but he does the little things very well and he doesn't have many errors in him.
"I know (coach) Steve Folkes was criticised for having him in his team when he had some big flashy forwards coming through, but Dennis is 100 per cent dependable.
"You can put him into any situation and you know he is going to get the job done for you. He is a real polished tradesman."
Scott played just 14 games for the Bulldogs last season, and missed the grand final triumph over the Roosters.
It was a major blow for a player who had given six years of loyal service to the club.
"I could have stayed," Scott said. "But I felt like I was ready for a change. I left the Dogs on very amicable terms, but I already know I've made the right choice."
Scott, 27, arrives as a senior statesman in a pack that is stacked with youth.
As a result, Bellamy has made him part of his leadership group and Scott is revelling in the added responsibility.
"I think that is probably the major difference between here and the Bulldogs," Scott said.
"The coaching staff seem to take a bit more notice of what the players, particularly the senior players, have to say.
"I think that is a real positive, obviously they don't take everything on board, but they respect the players' views."
Scott is likely to start Storm's season opener against Newcastle on March 13 from the interchange bench.
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