Canterbury have continued their transformation this NRL off-season with World Cup winning All Blacks coach Steven Hansen added as a high performance consultant.
Trent Barrett will commence his three-year deal as Bulldogs coach next week, with the club moving swiftly to add some experience to his support staff.
New Zealander Hansen has decades of coaching experience in rugby union and coached the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 World Cup during a seven-year reign that concluded in 2019.
Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said he was pleased the Bulldogs could secure the services of the highly regarded sporting figure.
“Being able to bring Steve Hansen on board … is tremendous news for everyone associated with the Bulldogs as he is one of the most highly respected figures throughout all of sports,” Hill said in a statement.
“Steve will work closely with our coaching and management staff, in addition to our players leadership group.
“To be able to have someone with Steve’s record and background work with our staff and players will be a great asset to our club.”
Barrett already has a relationship with Hansen after having spent time with the All Blacks in 2019 to improve himself and learn from one of the greatest teams in world sport.
In a big few days for Canterbury, the announcement of Hansen’s role follows confirmation of Kyle Flanagan’s arrival on a long-term deal.
The former Sydney Roosters and Cronulla halfback is the latest addition in a revamped squad after Nick Cotric, Jack Hetherington, Corey Waddell and the injured Blake Green signed with the Belmore club.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs and Steve Price have parted ways just a year after the two-times premiership player and club captain was appointed general manager of football.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
nah mate - like the Blecks they'll be recruiting Fijian, Tongan and Samoans - just like the AB's choice bro'
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
An ex-detective ... Doggies can kiss their Mad Monday antics good bye!!
Tom
Guest
The aussie league press called abs greatest team in the world. First time for everything. Dixie midnight runners go on Raelene.
Tony
Roar Guru
Wasn't Gus available?
Aiden
Guest
That’s where Hanson can provide support. He knows how to build and maintain a culture and seems to have a gift in terms of communicating with players. He’s not there to talk strategy. Surely. He’s more of a life coach. And if that sounds funny ... look at the Doggies culture. It’s a mess. Appointing someone like Hansen who has a bit of an aura, it’s laying down a marker that they are ... hopefully ... serious about getting their house in order.
andrew
Roar Rookie
They won't have to worry about playing the ball either.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Hey hey, good bait, bad chef... How's the irony that the top 2 NRL tries scored this year, came from th 5 in total they scored!
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"The Storm, the Roosters, the Broncs etc, regularly fish these waters....." .....and it's clear the Broncs are using the wrong bait jimmmy! :laughing:
Big Daddy
Guest
I've got no problem with the Hansen appointment. I'm still on the fence about Barrett . He's been very good as an assistant but his man management skills are yet to be proved . I'll wait and see.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Kiwis will wish Hansen well… But won’t be pleased if the doggies start to recruit lots of young New Zealanders.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
It's interesting. The Dogs are now fishing where the fish are, but it's a bit like Palm Beach Reef on a January holiday when the the mackerel are running. There are other boats everywhere. The Storm, the Roosters, the Broncs etc, regularly fish these waters. That's why Ricky did the smart thing and went to England and Penrith went over the range. I think now the Warriors are going to concentrate on junior development it's going to get much harder to land the big one. Still Hansen is connected and he certainly won't hurt their chances.
Adam
Roar Guru
Scrum too
Nat
Roar Rookie
This seems to be a positive appt. If he can bring the attitude and standards expected of the ABs to the Dogs, it can only be a good thing.
DonWan
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
BillPosters
Roar Rookie
To be fair, it seems that the current administration is bit of a mess too and I think they’re all Aussies.
Plastered Plasterer
Guest
One more time for the dummies ! I would have thought they’d have learned their lesson about hiring Kiwi administrators.
BillPosters
Roar Rookie
I’m expecting big improvement in the Bulldog’s line out next season...