The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are in a tough spot, and it's not just their fans who are feeling the pain. Former star player Michael Ennis has weighed in, urging the club to make some drastic changes to their spine, a topic that has been much discussed. With a loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs all but ending their finals hopes, the Bulldogs are now relying on a major slip-up from the Cowboys to secure a spot in the top eight.
Ennis, who played 136 games for the club, believes the Bulldogs' attack has been a major issue all season. He highlights the team's struggle to adjust to the new set restart rules, which has led to a defensive mindset that hasn't translated into consistent success. The Bulldogs' fast-moving defensive line, which frustrated opponents early on, has now become a liability as the ruck has become quicker, leaving them exposed.
The loss to the Rabbitohs was a stark reminder of the team's struggles, with their attack described as 'as bad as it's been all season'. Ennis points out that while there have been some bright moments, such as a near-upset win over the Roosters, the overall performance has been underwhelming. The switch of Stephen Crichton from centre to five-eighth, which seemed promising, has not yielded the desired results, and doubts remain over whether Crichton is a genuine five-eighth.
Ennis argues that Crichton should return to the centres, where he is 'world class', and suggests that Lachlan Galvin, a young gun, might be better suited as a six rather than a halfback. He also calls for a seven to be added to the spine, citing the potential of Mitch Woods and Alex Conti, who have been performing well in the NSW Cup.
The former player also addresses the effort and creativity of the team, particularly the input of fullback Connor Tracey and dummy-half Bailey Hayward. While he acknowledges their high-effort play, he doubts their ability to ignite the team's attack towards premiership ambitions. Ennis believes the Bulldogs need to seriously consider their spine options, as the current setup is not cutting it.
In summary, the Bulldogs are facing a critical juncture, and Ennis' insights provide a fresh perspective on the team's struggles. With a heavy reliance on external factors to secure their finals spot, the club must make some tough decisions to turn their fortunes around.
