The Mole: 'Major concern' Bulldogs must overcome after big recruitment drive
The Bulldogs revival never happened last season despite the much-hyped arrival of big-name signings Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney.
Cameron Ciraldo's first season in charge was a bitter disappointment, with the Dogs only finishing ahead of joint venture disasters, the Tigers and Dragons.
Of major concern to Ciraldo and guru Phil Gould was that the team had the least run metres in the NRL, least tackle breaks, worst completion rate, least forced dropouts, conceded most points, most tries and missed tackles.
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That dismal season saw Gould take a different approach in the lead-up to 2024, making mass changes.
Matt Burton will hope to turn around the Bulldogs' fortunes next season. Getty
Only one big name has been signed in Stephen Crichton, but eight other new faces who have all had extensive NRL experience come in.
To make way for the newcomers, Canterbury got rid of some dead wood and will field a vastly different team come next March.
Failure to score points was clearly a major concern, and Crichton, Rabbitohs recruit Blake Taaffe and former Knights utility Kurt Mann give the Doggies more strike power - on paper at least.
And if former Shark Bronson Xerri can find the zip he showed before his drug ban, the team will suddenly look much more formidable out wide.
The halfback spot has been a worry at Belmore for several seasons and hopefully Taaffe will bring some flair to the number seven jumper.
2024 gains: Bronson Xerri (return from ban), Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Drew Hutchison (Roosters), Kurt Mann (Knights), Jake Turpin (Roosters), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins).
2024 losses: Jake Averillo (Dolphins), Tevita Pangai Junior (retired), Kyle Flanagan (Dragons), Paul Alamoti (Panthers), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles).
Predicted finish: 12th to 14th
