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So it seems the early season predictions for the 2014 prospects of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were spot on.
While they were always going to feature in September football under the masterful tutelage of Des Hasler, the blue-and-whites struggled to fill the void left by 2012 Dally M Medal winning fullback, Ben Barba.
In fact, it was only the explosion of form in their halves pairing of Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds – which also saw them guide New South Wales to a monumental State of Origin victory – that saw the Bulldogs succeed as much as they did.
It was a rollercoaster of a season for the ‘Dogs, who at the conclusion of the regular season of 26 rounds limped into seventh position.
In this year’s mouthwatering finals series every team remains a threat to take out the top gong, such is the closeness of the competition. So without any further ado, here are the top eight reasons why the Bulldogs can take out the 2014 NRL Premiership.
8. The return of ‘Frank the Tank’
Frank Pritchard was only six games into his debut season as the co-captain of the Bulldogs when he tore his pectoral muscle during his side’s hard-fought 21-20 victory over the Warriors.
The early prognosis was that it would sideline him for the season, but against all odds, Pritchard made a successful return in the ‘Dogs golden-point loss to the Titans in Round 26 via the interchange bench, in what was a timely boost for his struggling team.
While his time on the field may be limited during the finals, the leadership and experience that he provides will prove invaluable in the Bulldogs’ journey through September.
7. Flying under the radar
Having won just two of their last eight games heading into the finals, coach Hasler has his team exactly where he wants them – under the radar. The Bulldogs, as well as the Broncos, are considered as two of the weakest links in this year’s finals series and have been given little to no chance of leaving their mark on it.
This idea suddenly opens the door for complacency in their rivals and, with their reputation not at all on the line, the Bulldogs will be able to throw caution to the wind and play with a nothing-to-lose mentality.
6. Finals experience
It is easy to forget that it was only two years ago that this side featured in the 2012 grand final – against the Melbourne Storm. Admittedly, their outstanding season was largely due to a magical run of form to Ben Barba, but without the go-forward of their star-studded forward pack they most certainly wouldn’t have reached these dizzy heights.
Luckily, Hasler has been able to keep the vast majority of that 2012 squad together. With that experience under their belt, they will know what it takes to win the premiership.
5. 2014 record
Season 2014 has seen the blue-and-whites pull off a number of miraculous victories against many of the competition’s premiership heavyweights. They’ve downed the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters by a solitary point, as well as the Melbourne Storm on two occasions this year.
In Round 17, they also managed the most unlikely of victories against a high-flying Manly Sea Eagles side when the Bulldogs were without Trent Hodkinson, Josh Reynolds, and Josh Morris due to Origin duties.
4. The NSW halves pairing
Since Reynolds and Hodkinson assisted New South Wales in returning the State of Origin shield south of the Tweed, the duo have lined up alongside each other wearing blue and white just three times.
Should Reynolds manage to steer clear of the judiciary, there is every chance an extended run by his halfback’s side will see a return to the form that earned them their spots in Laurie Daley’s NSW team.
3. Fairytale ending for Michael Ennis
After six seasons with the Bulldogs, three of which as captain, Ennis will be leaving Belmore and heading towards the golden shores of the Shire to take up a three-year deal with the Cronulla Sharks.
While he may not be the referee’s favourite player, he certainly is when it comes to the opinion of the Bulldogs’ playing squad. As a result, his teammates will be desperate to farewell him in the same fashion as 2004 captain, Steve Price – with a premiership.
2. Barnstorming forward pack
One of the greatest strengths of the famous ‘Dogs of War’ has always been the sheer enormity of their big men, and season 2014 is no different. Headlined by superstars including James Graham, Greg Eastwood, Tony Williams and Josh Jackson, the Bulldogs’ forward pack gives their side the edge they need to outmuscle opposition sides as they journey into the finals.
1. Des Hasler
In spite of all the above points, Des Hasler is without doubt the Bulldogs’ most potent weapon in their premiership hopes. If there is any man that can guide a football team through September, it’s Hasler – who coached the Manly Sea Eagles to two premierships in 2008 and 2011.
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