The St George Illawarra Dragons’ much-vaunted defence was frequently compromised by the Canterbury Bulldogs in their brilliant 29-16 victory, led by exciting young half Moses Mbye.
The Noosa Pirates product was a late inclusion into the starting side for Josh Reynolds, yet it was the duo’s combination late in the game that saw the Bulldogs steamroll the Dragons in a scenario reminiscent of their 1995 grand final win.
It was an excellent victory for the blue and whites, and the events of the game only added fuel to the fire of contract speculation at Belmore.
Following Daly Cherry-Evans’ backflip on the Gold Coast Titans, speculation has been rife this week that the Titans’ new number one target for 2016 is the under-contract Mbye.
Given the young half’s outstanding form this year, and the comparatively paltry form of regular number 7 Trent Hodkinson, it has the Bulldogs in a precarious position.
Do they offload the incumbent New South Wales halfback, who only last year scored the try and kicked the goal to bring Queensland’s eight-year State of Origin dynasty to an end? The man who, throughout his five-year tenure at Canterbury, stole the hearts and minds of fans with a number of scintillating plays that ultimately led his side to an unexpected grand final appearance? The man who, away from the field, took home the Ken Stephen Medal last year for his engagement with the community, bringing smiles to the faces of those who needed it most?
Should coach Des Hasler and CEO Raelene Castle abandon all that in order to lock-up the 21-year-old Mbye, another exciting product of the Bulldogs system?
The last thing they would want to do is make the exact same mistake they made 11 years ago, when rather than securing a young Johnathan Thurston, the Bulldogs hierarchy opted to retain Braith Anasta and Brent Sherwin.
While it’s unlikely Mbye will become the superstar Thurston is, is it worth taking the risk?
Based on Monday’s performance, Mbye and Reynolds are the club’s best halves. It’s plain for all bar Des Hasler to see.
Hodkinson has been stifling the Bulldogs’ attack all season long, and while his efforts in defence are outstanding, it simply isn’t enough to warrant his selection at halfback ahead of Mbye.
This was demonstrated on Monday. Hodkinson was hooked from the field in favour of Reynolds in the 60th minute, and the latter inspired his side to turn their six-point deficit at 16-10 into a sensational 29-16 victory, with Mbye slotting a late field-goal.
This came on the heels of Reynolds and Mbye’s stupendous showing against the Canberra Raiders when Hodkinson away on Origin duty, the very first time the two lined up alongside each other as halves in first grade. That day Ryenolds managed two tries and a linebreak, while his partner picked up a try of his own, a linebreak, as well as a try assist.
The statistics speak for themselves.
Hodkinson has been a loyal and brave servant to the Bulldogs – his perseverance fighting knee injury after knee injury alone is tremendous. However, Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds are the Bulldogs’ future, and Hasler must muster the courage to let the NSW incumbent go. Better still, Des must demote him to reserve grade.
Without sounding too much like a eulogy, Hodkinson will always be remembered as the Canterbury halfback who brought down the Maroon juggernaut.
It’s unfortunate that it has come to this so soon after his 2014 heroics, but sometimes things have to fall apart to make way for better things.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
No idea where this mail has come from, first I've heard of it. I cannot imagine Hasler letting Reynolds go, let alone Reynolds wanting to leave the Dogs.
Matthew Russell
Roar Pro
who would take Reynolds? He wouldn't fix the Titans, Possibly the sharks because they will sign anyone. Maybe Manly to play inside DCE??????
Brumby Jack
Guest
Very strong mail that Josh Reynolds will be looking to leave the Kennel if Hodkinson doesn't get the boot. Reynolds has already missed out on a lucrative bonus in his contract which would have been enacted should he be picked for rep honours two years in a row, and now that he is on the bench and on the outer with Bulldogs hierarchy for games missed over the past 2 seasons a very interesting scenario is developing...
HarryT
Guest
Can euphemisms be gross?
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Because Reynolds is signed to the end of next season, while Hokko is not. So if you want to free up the salary cap, Hokko must go or you wait another season. I think it's best to let Hokko go at this point. His knee issues are just too much of a gamble to invest into for the future. That said, he is a competent half that a lot of clubs would be well served in looking at. ie Cronulla.
catcat
Guest
Reynolds/Mbye for mine...,,nothing against Hokko but I feel like I've been waiting for his game to develop and it hasn't. Great defender, goal and field goal kicker..maybe too many injuries have let him down in recent years.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think Hodkinson is a naturally talented footballer but injuries have slowed him down too much. Off the top of my head I think he's had two knee and one shoulder re-constructions. I seem to recall him having another 'experimental' procedure to one of his knees. Speed was never his main attribute but he's slowed down to the point of being a liability. It also seems to have affected his kicking game which is nowhere near as long or as accurate as it was a year or two ago. It's a shame because he is definitely a likeable bloke, does a lot of good work off the field and deserved better.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
Totally intentional too.
Chuck
Guest
Did you not see the game yesterday? Hodkinson's defence is still great, but his attack is non-existent and his kicking game is terrible. Reynolds is a loose unit, but don't confuse brain explosions for poor form.
Fairdinkum
Roar Rookie
Mybe is quick but in this case he did have the advantage of being 2 metres offside yet still got run down by Nabuli & Dugan who both had to turn & chase.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Now I need a shower.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Mybe is a must for the Dogs. They can play scissors/paper/rock on which of the other two to keep as they each offer something different. Hodgekinson is not having a good year but doesn't mean he is a bad player. Reynolds has great energy but does some really stupid things at times. Apart from his skilful play and kicking skills, was amazed at how much speed Mybe has chasing that long kick from Hodgekinson. I think he will become one of the best 5/8ths in the comp.
SpongeBob
Guest
No sauce on your hotdog? Surely at least some mustard then?
Matthew Russell
Roar Pro
I agree that Mbye has to have his contract extended, but im leaning towards keeping Hodkinson. Mybe is looking the goods as a 5/8 and his speed skill suit that position, having a calm controlled halfback in side of him will be good for his game not an "enthusiastic" "erratic" player in Reynolds. If the potential of Mybe is reached the dogs could have the best halves combo in a couple of years a with a great forward pack equals a great period of success for the dogs. Shame Mbye is Queenslander...............
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Mind out of the gutter Jay C - The Pope would be appalled!
Jay C
Roar Guru
Parting the Red V sounds like a gross euphemism.
QConners
Roar Pro
In my opinion, I don't completely understand why they would get rid of Hodkinson over Josh Reynolds? I find Hodkinson is a much better half than Reynolds and has a lot more to offer. A Mbye/Hodkinson half combination is better than a Reynolds/Mbye one I think.
scottyboy
Guest
I am hoping for the Titans sake they pick up Mybe. The Titans need him and he looks the goods.
Josh
Guest
Finally someone speaking some sense. Mbye and Reynolds for the dogs. Hodkinson offers nothing in attack. Bye bye. From a a dogs fan