Haven’t the Bulldogs been in tremendous form in 2015?
Their monstrous forward pack and the attacking prowess of Moses Mbye, Trent Hodkinson and Brett Morris have seen the Dogs enter Round 5 with three straight wins under their belts, having only been defeated by the Panthers in Round 1.
However, this week Des Hasler has an important decision to make.
Round 1 of the NRL competition saw Josh Reynolds suspended for two rounds. In the same game, Reynolds also suffered an injury, which has seen him out for the last three weeks. However, it looks like he will be available for this weekend’s game against Souths.
Reynolds’ absence has been filled by Moses Mbye and the Bulldogs faithful have certainly been singing his praises, particularly following their victory over the in-form Wests Tigers. Mbye landed the field goal in golden point to see the Bulldogs come away victorious last weekend, and he has been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ other victories in the last two weeks.
So does Dessy replace the in-form Mbye with Reynolds, play Reynolds from the bench, or not play Reynolds at all?
Reynolds was one of the reasons the Bulldogs progressed as far as they did last year, and helped NSW across the line in State of Origin. He is consistently praised for his leadership skills and attacking prowess.
Despite this, we all know that there is another side to Josh Reynolds. A much uglier side. The side which has brain explosions, kicks Sam Thaiday in the face, gets sin-binned, kick chairs in dressing rooms, and trips Ben Barba (most of that happened in one game).
This sort of behaviour has earned him the nickname ‘Grub’ and it certainly has affected his creditability both on and off the field (despite him being one of the most impressive players I have ever met off the field).
Fans are looking for Reynolds to grow up and get the garbage out of his game. NRL fans enjoy physicality, intensity and a tough contest, however there is no room in our game for foul tactics, stupidity, or behaviour which could lead to serious injury.
Reynolds in a very passionate player. He gives 100 per cent every time he puts on that blue and white jersey. However, sometimes his behaviour is not that of someone who wants to be in a position of influence or leadership, it is childish, immature and shows that he is unable to contain his passion.
This behaviour has done the Bulldogs no favours and has now left Reynolds in a position where many are questioning whether he should be given automatic passage back into first grade.
If I was Des Hasler, I would start Reynolds from the bench. Mbye has been very impressive and should be rewarded for his performances in the last three weeks.
As for Josh Reynolds, I hope that for the rest of the year he continues to work hard on and off the field to control his passion so that the player I know off the field can be more accurately reflected in his play on the field.
This is @mary__kaye from @ladieswholeague
Jordon Le Breux
Roar Rookie
They have been okay, they beat a high flying Parra, Average Manly at Brookie and Average Tigers with a comeback. Without Reynolds, it hasn't been easy but like always, the Pups find there feet to make the finals and dominate.
Jordon Le Breux
Roar Rookie
Mbye kicked the winning field goal and was by far the best player on the field last Friday Night. I don't think it's ideal for any injured player to return to the field when they are doing fine without him! I suppose it's only up to the man in that coaches box, Big Des!
Jono
Guest
Yeah no I'd say the dogs have been in pretty woeful form and lucky to get away with wins against under-strength sides, even Des admitted they haven't been playing well in last week's press conference. Their last play options have been pathetic and wasting far too many opportunities with stupid nothing kicks and drop balls without building any pressure. But the doggies do rise to the occasion and tend to be more focussed when we play some of the heavyweight teams so hopefully it'll be better this week. As for the halves, I think Reynolds and Hodkinson deserve a bit more of a chance together to see how they go for the start of the year to find a bit more form - they did start well at the beginning of 2014. I do hope though that Hasler keeps Mbye on the bench to give him more time in the top grade ... already got enough quality forwards and I think he adds another dimension to the attack.
mick
Guest
Great start? What are you smoking. They have been awful. And I'm a doggies supporter
Joe
Roar Rookie
I also think the Refs are probably watching Josh Reynolds a lot more now and probably why he's getting penalised a lot. In his breakout year he managed to milk a few penalties, some of which decided games e.g when he jumped in the tackle so that it looked like he was lifted past the horizontal. When you cause a ref to make a mistake that basically decided a game it's pretty much like giving him the finger so you can be pretty sure the refs will be watching closely to make sure they don't get fooled again and if you're watching a player close enough you'll start to see all the little penalty offences in his game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Thanks for the generous offer Kc...looks like we're stuck with B Moz.
The Barry
Roar Guru
There were a number of clubs (including the broncos)who refused to even sign him thinking he was too small.
Muzz
Guest
Why can't Hasler sort Reynolds out? I don't get it. This has to be a primary goal if the Dogs want to play at their best.You get over playing with guys like that. Have someone else with more control do the niggling.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Take the cork off that and let it breathe for a moment. Someone gave up Jonathon Thurston in order to keep Braith Anasta. Hindsight must have hit them like a ton of bricks.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Mbye for Coote.. this does not read like a good trade :p
Kingcowboy
Guest
I don't think Brett Morris is a great fullback, just doesn't give you the guys the ball playing option. So we will trade you Mbye for Coote. P.S Shifty Sherwin is still one of, if not the great nickname ever.
HarryT
Guest
Yes TB, it was the right decision at the time to choose Sherwin over Thurston. Giving Sherwin a five year contract was where it went pear shaped. However, I never understood all the love for Anasta, but better judges than me will strongly disagree with my ambivalence.
sheek
Roar Guru
The banner headline all by itself is GOLD!
The Barry
Roar Guru
But does he have Hokko's temperament? How many origins over the past nine years have been in the balance with 10 to go, crying out for a blue half to step up and win us the game? How many times was Pearce that half? Hokko did it first go - he deserves some credit for that. He also got the Dogs over the line in the semi against Manly last year with two cool as a cucumber FGs under pressure. I can't remember Pearce stepping up and winning a semi when the game was in the balance. Pearce has had plenty of chances and taken none of them. If NSW need a new halfback it should be Adam Reynolds not Pearce.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
It's a worry all right mate,although this time we have Hasler in charge whom I have complete faith in.
Kirk
Guest
Even with his dismal record for NSW I still think Pearce is a better halfback than Hodgkinson.
Kirk
Guest
Clever title, wasn't Joshua a traitor?
Brendan
Guest
Whilst im not a huge fan of the Dogs halves, as you rightly pointed out, they get the job done. As long as Pearce isnt allowed back into the NSW team ill be happy
The Barry
Roar Guru
Don't Kingcowboy... It still hurts that we kept Sherwin and Anasta over Thurston...although I did love those guys at the time, especially Shifty.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
I would like congratulate you for the title of the year! Burst out laughing in class when I read it!