Rassayri
Kennel Enthusiast
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2018
- Messages
- 1,263
- Reaction score
- 1,389
After a tough few months for everyone with all the difficulties that COVID has created, we thought that it would be a great time to wrap up the season with a summary of where we stand on and off the field.
There can be no denying that the results of the past few months have not been where we need them to be, but it was extremely satisfying to see the team finish the season on a high with a convincing win over the Tigers.
The win encapsulated a great deal of what we have to look forward to as a club, with many of our younger players standing up to be counted.
That continual effort and fight is something that we can harness as we re-group for next season.
With a number of players departing, and the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Brent Naden, Matt Dufty, Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan and Josh Cook joining us next season, it is a time for real excitement about what the future holds.
The players will now rest and look forward to returning at the start of November for an important pre-season.
We know that the coaching staff are already preparing to make sure that we are ready to go from day one with our new-look squad.
With that to look forward to, there are many areas of our business that we would like to update you on below:
Football Update
Phil Gould
It has been fantastic having the knowledge and expertise of Phil Gould back at the club. Phil has already made an immediate impact in the areas of pathways and player recruitment and has been an excellent source of advice around all parts of our business.
Phil will continue to assist Head Coach Trent Barrett and the coaching staff in regard to planning for next season, and will form a superb advisory team alongside High Performance Consultant, Steve Hansen, as they look to put the building blocks in place for sustained success.
In addition, we are delighted to announce that Di Langmack, who’s brother Paul was such a major part of Bulldogs history, has come on board with the club in the new role of General Manager – Stakeholder Engagement. Having worked in Rugby League for over 30 years, Di has spent her most recent time with the Penrith Panthers, where she played a major role in their successful re-structure.
WATCH BELOW | Phil Gould answers questions from Bulldogs Members
Player Signings and Retention
There is no doubt It was a difficult year based on injury and unavailability and one where some difficult decisions had to be made.
As you would have seen we recently announced that Dylan Napa, Will Hopoate, Lachlan Lewis, Nick Meaney, Renouf Atoni, Sione Katoa, Dean Britt, Chris Smith, James Roumanos, Brad Deitz, Watson Heleta, Kiko Manu and Adam Elliott will not be back next season.
Firstly, we would like to thank every player for their commitment and effort during their time at Belmore.
They are, and always will be, part of the Bulldogs’ family.
Also a special mention to Will Hopoate, who departs the club having played 124 matches, since his debut in 2016. Will, was a model professional and we wish him and his family all the best as they head to the English Super League with St Helens.
We are now very close to finalising our Top 30 after the announcement this week that exciting young hooker, Josh Cook, will be joining us next season on a two year deal.
Sponsorship Update
Sponsor Zoom Sessions
The Bulldogs have been working closely with our sponsors during the COVID lockdown, with the creation of Zoom sessions that allowed the sponsors to hear from the likes of Josh Jackson and Phil Gould, in a networking environment.
The club are now in the process of finalising all sponsorship properties to work in with our new range of 2022 merchandise.
Community Update
The Bulldogs have committed to becoming the NRL’s first club to facilitate a vaccination hub at their home ground of Belmore Sportsground. This is a great example of one of the many initiatives the club have undertaken within the community in recent times. These have included:
Showing our support and appreciation of all Healthcare workers by having a ‘Thank You – Healthcare Workers’ message on the sleeve of our NRL jerseys.
Sharing video messages from a number of our players encouraging the community to stay safe, follow protocols and get tested.
Further messaging, in conjunction with NSW Health Digital Platforms, of Terry Lamb encouraging everyone to ‘stay safe’ and ‘get vaccinated’.
The creation of the ‘Bulldogs by your Side’ program that has allowed local primary school students to have ‘zoom’ calls with members of our current NRL squad.
The first-ever partnership between the Bulldogs and the Community Care Kitchens, which has seen former player Hazem El Masri lead the program and help deliver over 200 fresh meals per week to those people experiencing difficulties during the lockdown period.
WATCH BELOW | Nick Cotric says thank you to our healthcare workers
Award Winners
For those that missed them on social media, here is a list of the Bulldogs’ Major Awards for 2021:
Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year
BAILEY BIONDI ODO
Les Johns Clubperson of the Year
ADRIAN LOW
Peter Warren Medal Community Service
RAY FAITALA-MARINER
Coaches Award
JAKE AVERILLO
Dr George Peponis Player of the Year
JOSH JACKSON
Departing Players
Please watch below as we pay tribute to our departing players for this season.
We again thank you for your continued support.
There is a real energy and excitement at the club around what lies ahead.
It is a great time to be a Bulldogs Member and to be part of the 'Pack' as we get ready for next season.
We need your support because you are the most passionate and loyal Members in the game.
We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
John Khoury - Chairman, Aaron Warburton - Chief Executive Officer, & Trent Barrett - Head Coach
There can be no denying that the results of the past few months have not been where we need them to be, but it was extremely satisfying to see the team finish the season on a high with a convincing win over the Tigers.
The win encapsulated a great deal of what we have to look forward to as a club, with many of our younger players standing up to be counted.
That continual effort and fight is something that we can harness as we re-group for next season.
With a number of players departing, and the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Brent Naden, Matt Dufty, Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan and Josh Cook joining us next season, it is a time for real excitement about what the future holds.
The players will now rest and look forward to returning at the start of November for an important pre-season.
We know that the coaching staff are already preparing to make sure that we are ready to go from day one with our new-look squad.
With that to look forward to, there are many areas of our business that we would like to update you on below:
Football Update
Phil Gould
It has been fantastic having the knowledge and expertise of Phil Gould back at the club. Phil has already made an immediate impact in the areas of pathways and player recruitment and has been an excellent source of advice around all parts of our business.
Phil will continue to assist Head Coach Trent Barrett and the coaching staff in regard to planning for next season, and will form a superb advisory team alongside High Performance Consultant, Steve Hansen, as they look to put the building blocks in place for sustained success.
In addition, we are delighted to announce that Di Langmack, who’s brother Paul was such a major part of Bulldogs history, has come on board with the club in the new role of General Manager – Stakeholder Engagement. Having worked in Rugby League for over 30 years, Di has spent her most recent time with the Penrith Panthers, where she played a major role in their successful re-structure.
WATCH BELOW | Phil Gould answers questions from Bulldogs Members
Player Signings and Retention
There is no doubt It was a difficult year based on injury and unavailability and one where some difficult decisions had to be made.
As you would have seen we recently announced that Dylan Napa, Will Hopoate, Lachlan Lewis, Nick Meaney, Renouf Atoni, Sione Katoa, Dean Britt, Chris Smith, James Roumanos, Brad Deitz, Watson Heleta, Kiko Manu and Adam Elliott will not be back next season.
Firstly, we would like to thank every player for their commitment and effort during their time at Belmore.
They are, and always will be, part of the Bulldogs’ family.
Also a special mention to Will Hopoate, who departs the club having played 124 matches, since his debut in 2016. Will, was a model professional and we wish him and his family all the best as they head to the English Super League with St Helens.
We are now very close to finalising our Top 30 after the announcement this week that exciting young hooker, Josh Cook, will be joining us next season on a two year deal.
Sponsorship Update
Sponsor Zoom Sessions
The Bulldogs have been working closely with our sponsors during the COVID lockdown, with the creation of Zoom sessions that allowed the sponsors to hear from the likes of Josh Jackson and Phil Gould, in a networking environment.
The club are now in the process of finalising all sponsorship properties to work in with our new range of 2022 merchandise.
Community Update
The Bulldogs have committed to becoming the NRL’s first club to facilitate a vaccination hub at their home ground of Belmore Sportsground. This is a great example of one of the many initiatives the club have undertaken within the community in recent times. These have included:
Showing our support and appreciation of all Healthcare workers by having a ‘Thank You – Healthcare Workers’ message on the sleeve of our NRL jerseys.
Sharing video messages from a number of our players encouraging the community to stay safe, follow protocols and get tested.
Further messaging, in conjunction with NSW Health Digital Platforms, of Terry Lamb encouraging everyone to ‘stay safe’ and ‘get vaccinated’.
The creation of the ‘Bulldogs by your Side’ program that has allowed local primary school students to have ‘zoom’ calls with members of our current NRL squad.
The first-ever partnership between the Bulldogs and the Community Care Kitchens, which has seen former player Hazem El Masri lead the program and help deliver over 200 fresh meals per week to those people experiencing difficulties during the lockdown period.
WATCH BELOW | Nick Cotric says thank you to our healthcare workers
Award Winners
For those that missed them on social media, here is a list of the Bulldogs’ Major Awards for 2021:
Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year
BAILEY BIONDI ODO
Les Johns Clubperson of the Year
ADRIAN LOW
Peter Warren Medal Community Service
RAY FAITALA-MARINER
Coaches Award
JAKE AVERILLO
Dr George Peponis Player of the Year
JOSH JACKSON
Departing Players
Please watch below as we pay tribute to our departing players for this season.
We again thank you for your continued support.
There is a real energy and excitement at the club around what lies ahead.
It is a great time to be a Bulldogs Member and to be part of the 'Pack' as we get ready for next season.
We need your support because you are the most passionate and loyal Members in the game.
We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
John Khoury - Chairman, Aaron Warburton - Chief Executive Officer, & Trent Barrett - Head Coach
