The Canterbury Bulldogs' recent performance has sparked a critical debate, with former star Michael Ennis urging the club to reevaluate its strategic approach. The team's disappointing loss to South Sydney Rabbitohs has virtually dashed their hopes of making it to the finals, leaving them in a precarious ninth position. This is a stark contrast to last year, when the Bulldogs were considered a serious premiership threat.
One of the key areas of concern is the team's attack, which has been inconsistent throughout the season. Despite recent bright spots, such as their near-upset against the Roosters, the loss to Souths was a significant step back, according to Ennis. He believes the team's defensive strategy, which relies on a fast-moving line and a slow, methodical approach to scoring, has been ineffective due to quick rucks and a lack of creativity in the spine.
"The ruck became so quick that they just couldn't get their defence right, and then they fell apart," Ennis said. He added that while the team found some defensive rhythm later in the season, their attack has been lacking, and the recent loss highlighted this issue.
A key player in the Bulldogs' spine, Lachlan Galvin, has shown promise at halfback, but questions remain about his long-term suitability in that role. The switch of Stephen Crichton to five-eighth has impacted the team's attack, and Ennis believes Crichton should return to his natural position at centre.
"Crichton has brought an unpredictability as an unorthodox five-eighth, but I don't think he's the long-term answer there. He's world-class at centre," Ennis commented. He also expressed doubts about the creativity and impact of fullback Connor Tracey and dummy-half Bailey Hayward, suggesting they lack the spark needed to propel the Bulldogs towards premiership glory.
Ennis's analysis highlights the need for a strategic rethink. With a few promising young players coming through, such as Mitch Woods and Alex Conti, the Bulldogs have the potential to rebuild their spine. However, as Ennis points out, it's not just about skill but also about embracing the culture and expectations of being a Bulldog.
"There's an expectation when you pull on that blue and white about what you do for the teammate next to you. That's exactly what Tracey and Hayward bring, but they need to add more creativity to their game if the Bulldogs are to challenge for the top four," he concluded.
The Bulldogs' future hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether they can turn their season around and make a late push for the finals.
