Idris has shown enough to suggest he's at NRL standard. He'll be there and come quote me if im wrong :)

Haz was missing 3 in every 60 goals prior to SOO. then since his debut he has struck them at 70% (which is respectable), on sunday he was fasting and im sure that had something to do with his concentration...

It was both their faults. They both had a job to do and failed to communicate with each other.

What about those whose heads are already up their arses?

Well the first try to the Raiders yesterday wasn't Utai's fault. It was bloody Winitana's fault. He had heaps of time to protect Utai and just stood there to watch the ball and Monoghan to grab the ball easily and score.

I agree - better chasing on the kick from dummy half and better protection of Utai will help. However, Utai doesn't help by not giving himself a running start which he needs to get height on his jump.

Were wasting time talking about next year or even next week.

They are gonna fire up the Large Hadron Collider on Wednesday.

All your heads will be sucked into your asses then into each others asses and then into a big black hole.

I reckon the Go Betweens were quite a good lyrical art house band but their musical talent was marginal.

Surely it can't be that difficult to solve the defensive issue surrounding Utai on the 4th/5th tackle...perhaps utilise Utai as a blocker for the taller centres (Morris/Idris).

The other area I'd like to see Utai work on is his ball security....rather than holding the ball with the ends perpendicular to the ground, I'd prefer to see him carry it holding the pointy end in one hand and the other end off the ball tucked into his elbow/bicep.

He must be one of the first picked the start 2009.

It also doesnt help that we constantly drop the ball and give away cheap penalties to allow the opposition to get into a position to put in so many attacking kicks.

I have enjoyed watching Hazem play at fullback during the past few weeks. It still defies belief that he wasnt given a shot there before Youngquest and Crisp. Folkes is a club legend but putting Youngquest straight into fullback as soon as he joined the club was a dud call. It was nearly as bad as continually picking Millard in front of Idris

Yeah I saw it - it confirmed to me that the "Go Betweens" were amongst the most boring Aussie bands of the late 80's.
It was interesting to note they were saying how difficult it was to secure interest from recored labels overseas at the time. Totally understandable IMO.
Typical of a band that a has one or two marginally interesting tracks and somehow they are lauded as Aussie institutions. The talent indefinitely wasn't there in IMO.

1. By the time we're good enough again to compensate for him (and be true contenders), he'll be too old and out of the team.

2. I think teams have been more deliberate in their tactics to kick to him this year. If we were a better team (and hence in more of our games), I think it would have happened much more than 3 times. Next year we hope to be in the fight for one of the final top-8 spots. I fear it will cost us more like 5-6 games.

And it doesn't help when the defensive line, particularly the markers, stand back and watch to make sure the kicker has all the time in the world to pin point his bomb placement. How difficult is it to see these sides setting up for a high kick?

No worries mate

I think the positives far outweigh the negatives with Utai. This kicking to the wing weakness arises about 3 games per season since 2002. Utai was the best player on the field for the Bulldogs in at least 3 games this season.

I thought it was crap but how could you not like someone called Rat Scabies....now Graham...nothing wrong with that name...but why don't you change it...guarantee your rise would be astronomic!!

Sorry I wasn't having a go at you - I did read that line, but thought I may have missed the news of his departure. Or there was the possibility that you might be thinking he should be banished to park footy.

agree totally, his problem under the high ball reared its head in 04 v the cowboys, the panfers then tried the same cr@p and it didnt work, and without utai we do not win the 04 GF. he was brilliant.

Whilst I am not a fan of Roberts in the halves, I thought he looked OK out there yesterday. Although I think Holdsworth could be a good footballer, I doubt he would work outside Noddy. I think we need some speed at 6 next year. I would look at Groom getting first shot.

Anyone watch the SBS doco on the Go Betweens' album 16 Lovers' Lane on Saturday night?

Not sure I agree with all of your 100% certainties. I not certain Idris will be there. He is just a kid, and it is not clear how he will go over the off season training, there is a possibily they decide he would be better served starting the season in the NYC. I'm also not sure what the prop rotation will be next year. While I'm certain that Hannant will be a starting prop, it's not clear who the other starter is. I would be a bit inclined to start Hickey off the bench, as I think he doesn't do as well in his second stint, and I thjink we should play him in 1 long period through the middle of the game.

Perhaps you should have read this line in my original post... "& I may have missed a few names here and there so feel free to add names."

Hurts me to say, but I would give Holdsworth first shot at five-eighth.

Maybe with a dominating halfback inside him, he can reproduce some of his 2006 form.

Roberts has had numerous opportunities to stamp his mark in our team, but has failed us on so many occasions. The Souths golden point game was the final straw. Have had so much time for him in the past, but he is just a passenger now.

Does your persistent leaving of Millard D off your list mean he is no longer with us?

Same here.

He is the only player in our current squad who can make positive yards after initial contact.

Add the quick play the balls, the numerous line breaks & tries that no other winger can score, he is a definite starter in my books.

As for his deficiencies under the high ball, when you have lazy dud centres like Tonga & Winitana just stand there and watch him get jumped over without providing him protection, any winger will cop it like he does.

Utai is a must for 2009 & beyond.

Is this a call for us to all complete the survey for a second time? 8)

Ah 1977, my first British Punk album, Damned, Damned, Damned I did not buy another Damned album after that.

is there a problem with livescores or is it just my PC?

So he will look a bit better than usual huh? Good old Nosferatu!

I'll admit to Haz and Utai being in my original starting line up.

OKAY this is it. NO MORE changing from my part

I have gone ahead and listed who I believe are 100% certain to line up for round 1 in 2009.


1. Patten
2. Hazem ====> To be given first crack
3. Morris
4. Idris
5. Utai
6. ?
7. Kimmorely
13. ?
12?
11. Ryan
10. Hannant
9. Ennis
8. Hickey

Reserves
14. Hodgson
15. Kite

We were in the contest for a fair while yesterday. It's no coincidence that Utai's problems under the high ball reared their ugly head again, giving Canberra two gimme tries. And what's more, they only had to use Alan Bloody Tongue to kick the ball. Bombing to Utai and getting a try is nothing more than a training drill to most teams. Can you imagine what's going to happen when we get good enough to regularly find ourselves in tight games with 10 minutes to go? Having him out on the wing just gives teams an easy out.

Good news about the Armpits. Hope it is confirmed.

Was the Morrin - Corey head clash during the game, or partr of the Mad monday celebrations?

Without Brady we will certainly struggle but there is no word yet as to just how badly he is injured.

My guess is well over 30.

I have added names to the list from the suggestions made...

Fullback: Luke Patten/ Benjamin Barba/ Josh Morris/ Hazem El Masri/ Brent Crisp

Wing: Heka Nanai/ Matt Utai/ Hazem El Masri/ Brent Crisp/ Mason Pure

Centre: Josh Morris/ Jamal Idris/ Tim Winitana/ Sene Tala/ Reni Maitua/ Ben Roberts/ Dean Vicelich/ Andrew Emelio/ Chevy Penehoe/ Buddy Gordon

Halfback: Brett Kimmorley/ Benjamin Barba/ Aaron Groom/ Ben Roberts/ Rhys Jack/ Michael Sullivan

Five Eighth: Daniel Holdsworth/ Benjamin Barba/ Aaron Groom/ Ben Roberts/ Reni Maitua

Second Row: Andrew Ryan/ Reni Maitua/ Nick Kouparitsas/ Lee Te Maari/ Gary Warburton/ Frank Winterstein/ Brad Morrin/ Harlan Alaalatoa/ Daniel Harrison/ Josh Bishop/ Sam Aupori/ Dean Vicelich/ Lorenzo Ma’aafu/ Jake Foster/ Jeco Makatoa/ Martin Taupau

Lock: Reni Maitua/ Andrew Ryan/ Nick Kouparitsas/ Lee Te Maari/ Daniel Harrison

Prop: Ben Hannant/ Chris Armit/ Fred Briggs/ Jarrad Hickey/ John Kite/ Charlie Leaeno/ Brad Morrin/ Justin Tsoulos/ Danny Williams/ Robert Worsley/ Paki Afu/ Martin Taupau

Hooker: Michael Ennis/ Michael Sullivan/ Aaron Groom/ Ben Roberts/ Nathan Smith/ Linton Price/ Jamie Clark/ Nathan Dib

LOL I love the way everyone leaves Utai out of their list of definite starters. Apart from the new signings and Patten he is the only player we have who would be in any demand from other clubs if he went on the open market. After Patten, he would be the next player I choose for my team week in and week out.

I think so Nathan.

Looks like Brady has a major knee injury.

How many players are in that squad?

One season from hell is over. Has another just begun for the many BDP Pats fans?

OK will do. I was thinking that but....

I have gone ahead and listed who I believe are 100% certain to line up for round 1 in 2009.


1. Patten
2. Hazem
3. Morris
4. Idris
5. ?
6. ?
7. Kimmorely
13. ?
12?
11. Ryan
10. Hannant
9. Ennis
8. Hickey

Reserves
14. Hodgson
15. Kite

I'd honestly like to see that most deserving players get chosen in the team. Reputation can only see you get picked for so long. If either Nanai, Goodwin, Pure or anyone else is playing better than El Masri or Utai then they should get rewarded.

From what he showed on the wing this season Hazem will have to improve his game next year. I have no doubt that having Patten, Kimmorley & Morris in the backline next season will make Hazem look better but there is no substitute for speed & power & unfortunately Hazem hasn't shown either for some time.

I must say though, how good is his defence as a fullback!? He has pulled off so many try savers at the back the last 3 weeks.

& what does everyone make of his goalkicking the last few seasons? What are his percentages because he doesn't seem to be hitting them over as often as he used to.

Second row: Add Foster & Makatoa ?
Wing/Centre: Add Penahoe ?(not going as well lately)
Prop: Afu & Tapau - similar to Kite this year? (Tapua could play 2nd row)
Add Buddy Gordon?
I think we will sign a few more.
Actually, I would like to sign as good young half as a back up to Noddy.
Currently the options are:-
1. Noddy
2. Ennis
3. Holdsworth?
I don't that Barba/Groom/Roberts/Sullivan are good candidates.
Anyway, another talented young kid might be handy.

You can add Haz to the list - form won't be an issue for round 1!

Nice work.

I have gone ahead and listed who I believe are 100% certain to line up for round 1 in 2009.


1. Patten
2. ?
3. Morris
4. Idris
5. ?
6. ?
7. Kimmorely
13. ?
12?
11. Ryan
10. Hannant
9. Ennis
8. Hickey

Reserves
14. Hodgson
15. Kite

I have compiled a player depth list for the Dogs Next season. Players are not listed in any particular order. I have not listed any players who haven't OFFICIALLY signed (Goodwin) & I may have missed a few names here and there so feel free to add names.

Fullback: Luke Patten/ Benjamin Barba/ Josh Morris/ Hazem El Masri/ Brent Crisp

Wing: Heka Nanai/ Matt Utai/ Hazem El Masri/ Brent Crisp/ Mason Pure

Centre: Josh Morris/ Jamal Idris/ Tim Winitana/ Sene Tala/ Reni Maitua/ Ben Roberts/ Dean Vicelich/ Andrew Emelio

Halfback: Brett Kimmorley/ Benjamin Barba/ Aaron Groom/ Ben Roberts/ Rhys Jack/ Michael Sullivan

Five Eighth: Daniel Holdsworth/ Benjamin Barba/ Aaron Groom/ Ben Roberts/ Reni Maitua

Second Row: Andrew Ryan/ Reni Maitua/ Nick Kouparitsas/ Lee Te Maari/ Gary Warburton/ Frank Winterstein/ Brad Morrin/ Harlan Alaalatoa/ Daniel Harrison/ Josh Bishop/ Sam Aupori/ Dean Vicelich/ Lorenzo Ma’aafu

Lock: Reni Maitua/ Andrew Ryan/ Nick Kouparitsas/ Lee Te Maari/ Daniel Harrison

Prop: Ben Hannant/ Chris Armit/ Fred Briggs/ Jarrad Hickey/ John Kite/ Charlie Leaeno/ Brad Morrin/ Justin Tsoulos/ Danny Williams/ Robert Worsley/ Michael Hodgson

Hooker: Michael Ennis/ Michael Sullivan/ Aaron Groom/ Ben Roberts/ Nathan Smith/ Linton Price/ Jamie Clark/ Nathan Dib

Season 2008 deleted from hard drive.

Assuming Haz doesn't improve his form (or there's no early injury worries), what happens to him after he breaks the record will be a nice early test for Kevin Moore.

I always judge how a season will go by how we perform during the trials.

Anyone remember how we went during the trials?

All, we've had 87 responses to the User Survey so far. For all those that have responded, thank you for your time.

I'd like to get to 100 responses, and then we'll release the results.

Cheers,
Chris.

Well at least that'll make round 1 next season even better. Hopefully it's played in Sydney, the Dog's can get a win with the new look team & Hazem breaks the record in front of a big crowd.

I think there is bling in him...the bling is strong within him :-)

I think it's just all the fuss about him and all the talk about him. He is believing the hype, and we are to blame!!

We are the ones who have been talking him up for the last year, and we keep talking like he is "the" saviour of our club.

As if that wouldn't go to yor head.

Someone needs to bring him back to earth.

Geez I hope the bling within him is destroyed.

Who is our ben kinobi??

I hope its moore!

No he didn't mention which game or district, all he said was that he was invited to this game and that he was a former 1st grade mgr for 7 years at penrith.

All kicks fairly wide out. First kick swung right to left a bit too much (missed to the left) and the next three didn't swing at all (missed to the right).

Amen to that Zef.

Walk into a room full of mirrors and realise the opportunity that you have - and don't waste it with bad attitude and ego.

Otherwise go somewhere else.

Not sure if it was discussed, but if Haz could've kicked 5/6 yesterday, he would've equally Joey. I haven't seen the game yet, but 2/6 is a bit of a surprise considering the record was within reach.

did anyone hear the call into 2ky this morining about refereeing in an u/14 grand final ??

i got half way into it - did they mention which game ??

Bulldogs go bush to lick their wounds
By Christian Nicolussi
September 08, 2008

ANDREW Ryan and a few of his Bulldogs teammates will head bush next week to escape civilisation.

There will be plenty of beers. A few lop-sided tents. Campfires. A few laughs. But no footballs to be kicked around. No way.

"I'm going to forget about footy and want to get away. I'd love to find a hole to climb into," Ryan said.

"I've got a combination of feelings at the moment. Commiseration, disappointment, frustration. I just want to get away."

Forward Jarrad Hickey, who will also board the bus for the remote destination, said: "There won't even be phones when we get away. I won't be watching a game of football until the start of next season."

Prior to Sunday, the Dogs had not collected the dreaded wooden spoon since they were deducted points for salary-cap breaches in 2002.

Before that, the proud club had not seen the bottom of the ladder at season's end since 1964.

This season, 2008, will be a year every single player and official in those cement change rooms at Canberra Stadium will put a giant red pen through.

Like a Hollywood superstar who features in a box-office flop, the Dogs are determined to move forward and focus on the next script.

"It's all about 2009. It's been about 2009 for most of 2008," a dejected Bulldogs supremo Todd Greenberg said, as he joined his players.

Canterbury's latest campaign was doomed from the start.

Willie Mason defected to the Sydney Roosters after slagging coach Folkes before Christmas. Folkes was later told he would not be needed beyond 2008.

There were injuries. Off-field indiscretions. Then Sonny Bill Williams snubbed his mates to selfishly chase the almighty dollar in France.

Trying to remain upbeat at Belmore is like being a Labor backbencher happy to work under Morris Iemma.

The Dogs started Sunday's game well. Hazem El Masri crossed the white line 90 seconds into the match. He did not look too excited being one week into the holy Ramadan and unable to eat or drink during daylight hours.

Not even tap water will be allowed at Mad Monday celebrations.

The Dogs crossed three more times to go into the break all locked up at 16-apiece. But things quickly went downhill.

At his last ever press conference as Bulldogs coach, Folkes said the injury toll could not be overlooked when it came to his side's woeful season.

"If you had told me at the start of the year that the 17 who were out there today would be my 17 at any stage of the season, it would have been unbelievable," he said.

He looked at his watch when asked how much longer he would remain at the club. Folkes' time is up. Camping and beers are now on the agenda.

Canberra have a great asset in alan Tongue. Not the most naturally gifted athlete but super competitive. If all our blokes had his attitude we would probably have been in the finals.

Incidentally I also think he should change his name and adapt one of the punk group, The Damned, ie Rat Scabies... I think he really looks like a "Rat Scabies" .......much better than Alan Tongue and it would be great fun to hear the comemntators.

This generation can make it's own culture over the next few years from within on the backs of Kimmorley and Ennis.

Professionalism (the former) and ultra competitiveness (the latter).

We got to stop looking backwards for miracle cures - if they worked they would've already worked.

Can't be allowed to get worse, simply CAN NOT.

There have been rumblings about Benny's attitude for a while now and for now I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that they are just rumours - only those that truly know would truly know and Tadpole would be one of them so I'll trust his judgement.

But I'll say this - if there is as much as an ounce of bling in the kid then I don't care about the talent, in fact the fact that there is the talent is reason enough to make the example to the rest that regardless of talent from this day forward ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

If his head's full of bling then let him go - no remorse, no regrets.

so the posts on the kennel were on the money. sounds like he needs an attitude adjustment quick smart. the additional exposure the u/20 kids are getting will be a real test of character for some. barba has plenty to learn on and off the footy field.