If there were two teams that were already looking to 2018, Canterbury and Wests Tigers could be leading candidates.
After strong performances in the previous round, this week unfortunately highlighted the plight of both teams.
The Bulldogs were first to show their wares on Thursday night. Coming off a trademark ‘Dogs of War’ performance against the Canberra Raiders, many expected the home side to emerge victors against North Queensland.
However, despite the absence of their champion pivot Johnathan Thurston, it was the Cowboys who reigned supreme as the Bulldogs slumped to a 30-14 defeat.
It was a familiar tale for Canterbury who did not score their first points until 12 minutes into the second half when trailing 24 nil. Along with the Tigers, Des Hasler’s side ranks equal last for points scored in the season thus far.
This has led many to cite the importance of the Kieran Foran signing for next season which is hoped will give the Bulldogs some much needed direction in attack.
Ironically, the other big name recruit for Canterbury next year is the injured Wests Tigers captain, Aaron Woods. Josh Reynolds on the other hand is going the other way, signing with the Tigers as a possible replacement for Mitchell Moses.
(AAP Image/Action Photographics, Charles Knight)
Given the defeat to South Sydney on Friday night, it could be that Ivan Cleary needs the change.
The Rabbitohs ran in five tries to one winning 28-6. South Sydney clearly had the advantage in the possession battle with a 56 per cent share but it was the defensive flaws of the Tigers that really told the story.
Wests missed an incredible 57 tackles during the match – more than four times the missed tackles of the Rabbitohs with 14.
There has been much uncertainty in recent times surrounding the club regarding their coach and four of their star players, yet it is hard to imagine any excuses meriting such a defensive display.
The loss has left the Tigers wallowing in 15th position on the ladder with just one more win than the Newcastle Knights.
It makes the signing of Reynolds and Ben Matulino for next year all the more important and whether the Tigers can secure the services of someone like Josh Dugan may also be key. Although, according to reports the Bulldogs are also competing for his signature seemingly putting pressure on Canterbury to keep James Graham.
Whatever the outcome of contract negotiations, it remains to be seen how either team will use the rest of the season.
After convincing losses to the Cowboys and the Rabbitohs respectively, both teams are now looking for answers.
Sean
Guest
The last 5 years of the tigers have created a culture that i cant wait to get rid of.Mediocrity was allowed, players believed they were far better than they actually are and we had a preference of relying on juniors to build a side. Look how that worked out. Glad Cleary is going to the market. You need players who are performing now, not in the future. Bulldogs would go well if they keep frawley at 7, reynolds at 6 and mybe at 9. Do that and theyl definately increase there chances this year. Not entirely sure what Des hasler is doing over there.
kk
Roar Pro
Des wanted Dugan's signature in 2012. His 2018 price would surely create a massive SC problem. Hoppa would go well on Sundays at Leichhardt.
TigerMike
Guest
You should write more about Canberra Raiders golf, tennis, motor racing, horse racing, AFL, rugby union and the Olympic movement.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Not going to write off any team this early especially one sitting in the top eight. Not writing off the Tigers either, I still think they can pull together some wins and make a run if the players get on the same page. Obviously now with Moses gone that might help as last week was diabolical.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Definitely, theres a tonne of work to do and none of it easy but talk of giving up on the season is outrageous at this point... I don't think I'd be impressed if I was a knights fan and there were suggestions of giving up and focusing on next year.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I think they need to ensure Jeynolds gets back on the field and they go down fighting at some point in the finals.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Well they have half a chance now that Hoppa has given up not playing on Sundays.
Les Mara
Guest
I feel Dugan will go to the Bulldogs, Hoppa to the Tigers and be their fullback.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
For sure. I think before coming to such a conclusion about a team's chances for the rest of the year, you have to look at their roster. The Dogs on paper are still a very impressive looking outfit. I guess that's where Des now earns his money - finding the right key that opens the right door.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Ok. I get this is a transition period for the Dogs. I get that this is (very) unlikely to be a premiership season. But why would they be thinking of next season at this stage of the year? They're currently in the top 8 after 10 rounds on 10 points. They're unlikely to have a lot of players unavailable because of origin. They currently don't have many injuries to deal with. Regardless of their chances of premiership success, I'd be extremely disappointed if they were thinking of next year already. What about the Eels, Manly, Raiders, Panthers, Rabbitohs, Warriors and Titans? Should they be thinking of next year? None of those teams have any more wins than the Bulldogs so far this season. What about the Dragons? Only two points ahead of the Dogs and unlikely to win the comp, Should they start thinking about next year?