Bulldogs defence in action during the NRL, Round 6, Parramatta Eels v Bulldogs match at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Sunday, April 19, 2009. The Bulldogs beat the Eels 48-18. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Grant Trouville
The semi finals begin next weekend and already competition leaders Canterbury-Bankstown have already been written off by their critics. Halfback Brett Kimmorley sustained a cheekbone injury in the opening five minutes against the Warriors, but the Bulldogs managed to regroup and put 40 points on the opposition with no time to adapt to the loss of their star halfback.
Earlier in the season Kimmorley was injured in the early stages against Melbourne, but rather than fold Daniel Holdsworth and David Stagg stepped up to the plate and the Bulldogs defeated the Storm in the most comprehensive of circumstances.
The loss of Kimmorley until week three of the finals if the Bulldogs are to progress that far is a huge blow for them, but not one they can’t overcome. The Bulldogs are the masters of dealing with adversity and obstacles and the motto is whatever doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger applies to the Bulldogs.
It won’t be the first time in the Bulldogs history where they would have lost a key player on the eve or during the finals and still found ways to win the competition. Terry Lamb was one of the star performers in Canterbury’s extra-time win against Balmain in 1985 and the next week hobbled off with a leg injury, which the Bulldogs lost 17-6 against St George. Rather than cry over spilt milk the Bulldogs regrouped to defeat Parramatta 26-0 and won the grand final 7-6 against the Dragons without Lamb in the side.
Steve Mortimer broke his arm in the second last round against St George in 1988 and the next week the Bulldogs lost against South Sydney losing any chance of winning the minor premiership. Coach Phil Gould recalled Michael Hagan back into the squad and the Bulldogs never missed a beat in during the finals in 1988. So comprehensive was the grand final victory that Mortimer was afforded the last 10 minutes as a thank you for his service to the Bulldogs.
In more recent times Steve Price was injured in the opening minutes of the preliminary final against Penrith in 2004 and the Bulldogs rallied around their captain to defeat the Panthers and the next week win the title against the star-studded Roosters.
The Bulldogs have had to deal with adversity and controversy this year losing four legitimate competition points, had to cope with lop-sided penalty counts and have had injuries at key stages this season.
One thing coach Kevin Moore has achieved this year is make the Bulldogs an adaptable side and not over reliant on the one player. When one player falls down for whatever reason the player alongside them can step up to the plate and perform the job without affecting the Bulldogs style of football. The Bulldogs are the only club in the competition this year that hasn’t lost two matches in a row and that is due to them not being reliant on one player and one brand of football.
Holdsworth isn’t in the same class as Kimmorley, but he’s a competent first grade player and needs a big 2-3 weeks of football to earn himself a new contract with the Bulldogs or another NRL club.
It’s a great opportunity for Holdsworth, but he won’t be hung out to dry on the field with Stagg, Michael Ennis, Luke Patten, Ben Hannant and captain Andrew Ryan all able to step up with no dramas in the leadership and responsibility stakes and share the workload that Kimmorley carried.
The Bulldogs won’t be as dominant without Kimmorley, but they are far from gone and if any club can adapt and rise to any challenge it’s the Bulldogs of 2009 where they only grow stronger when there is an apparent obstacle in the way.
Meanwhile, Patten tonight becomes the 10th player in Canterbury-Bankstown’s 75-season history to play 200 first grade games. Patten has been one of the most unsung heroes for the Bulldogs and his performances get better with age. Patten has been the ultimate professional on and off the field.
Patten has stepped up as one of the leaders within the Bulldogs team and he will more than anyone fill the temporary void left by Kimmorley.
The Bulldogs will be soaking up all the doomsayers saying they are finished and can’t play without Kimmorley.
Canterbury’s greatest strength this year and in the years of their great success has always been finding ways to win and whatever doesn’t kill the Belmore based club only makes them stronger.
Matthew O’Neill is a Director and Columnist with www.rleague.com.
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