Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson throws support behind Dean Pay
Canterbury Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson has thrown his support behind Dean Pay after he announced he would step down as coach of the club.
Following intense scrutiny due to disappointing results on the field, Pay who took over the head coaching role from Des Hasler in 2018, announced this week he would officially step down from his role at the Bulldogs.
Penrith assistant coach Trent Barrett is poised to take over the head coaching duties on a long-term deal.
Following Pay's departure, Jackson offered support for his former coach, saying Pay always had the club's best intentions at the heart of his every move.
Josh Jackson of the Bulldogs Getty
"Dean's decision was a selfless decision," Jackson said.
"I think he's done as he's always done at this club, he put the club and team first ahead of his own ambitions.
"As a group, we were certainly moving in the right direction and I would have loved Dean to be a part of this club and to have been the coach of this club when we enjoyed a little bit of success."
Prop Aiden Tolman said that despite Pay's departure, unity across the board, both on and off the field was vital for the Bulldogs moving forward.
Dean Pay, Aiden Tolman Getty
"I will say that leadership does start at the top of places," he said.
"They're in charge of the club for a reason. They're there to do a job just like we are on the footy field and we want to be moving in the same direction as the whole club."
