Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2015 Preview

The blue and white dynamite from Belmore experienced a season full of twists and turns that culminated in a grand final loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. How the Bankstown boys got to that late point of the season was a major talking point, with the 'Dogs finishing 7th at the end of the regular season and only just scraping into the finals with a 13 win - 11 loss record, which included an impressive seven-win streak early in the season between the fourth and tenth round.

Coach Des Hasler was at his third year at the helm of a Bulldogs side full of confidence led by captain Michael Ennis and rampaging English international prop forward James Graham, but Canterbury then went onto lose three in a row during the hectic Origin period after dominant halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson were selected in the New South Wales Origin side which broke Queensland's 8 year stranglehold on the Origin shield.

The Bulldogs appearance in the finals series was not assured after this, as they posted a horrible 6 losses from their last 8 regular season games to only just scrape into the finals. Once they were there though, they turned their form completely around, travelling down to Melbourne to face the Storm and posting a comprehensive 28-4 win over the home side. A date with the Sea Eagles was set at a rocking Allianz Stadium, with the game heading into Extra Time after the two sides were locked at 17-17, before 4 minutes into added time Trent Hodkinson snapped a field-goal to send the blue and white into a Preliminary Final against the Penrith Panthers.

The following week saw the Bulldogs post a fantastic victory over the mountain men, setting up a date with destiny against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Grand Final, who were looking for their first premiership in 43 years. The Bulldogs ultimately fell to a dominant South Sydney in the Grand Final without injured captain Michael Ennis and heartbreakingly it was their 2nd Grand Final loss in 3 seasons, but it was an all around successful season for the men from Belmore.

A host of players have departed the Bulldogs, none bigger than captain Michael Ennis who moves to Cronulla after a hugely successful six seasons at Belmore. Outside back Mitch Brown also heads to the Shire, while promising young forward Dale Finucane moves south to Melbourne to link up with the Storm.

The Bulldogs major gain over the off-season was the signing of Brett Morris from the Dragons, which sees him link with his twin brother Josh for the first time since playing together at the Dragons in 2008. Brett's quality will only add to Canterbury's strong backline, who have plenty of tries in their repertoire. Promising young hooker Michael Lichaa joins from the Sharks to replace Ennis, who goes in the opposite direction. Curtis Rona also joins from the Cowboys.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
The Bulldogs have strength and quality all over the park with plenty of depth in many positions. The outside back stocks boast players such as Josh and Brett Morris proven try scorers, Tim Lafai (Canterbury's 2014 leading try scorer at 14) and the experienced Sam Perrett. The Canterbury side also boast arguably the leading prop in the game in James Graham who is joined by the talented and experienced Aidan Tolman. Equally talented second rower Josh Jackson is also looking for a big season after his solid form and national team debut in 2014.The sheer size of the squad up front is also a big strength for Canterbury, which includes Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard and Tony Williams who would cause problems for any side.

WHY THEY WON'T
The boys from Belmore seem to be in a season of transition with player movements and the loss of Michael Ennis being a huge one. It may take a few of the newcomers, especially rookie hooker Michael Lichaa some time to get used to their surroundings and teammates and take a bit of time to adjust to Des Hasler's player style and unique training methods.

KEY PLAYERS
James Graham
The barnstorming Englishman has been a favourite among the Belmore faithful since his arrival and is arguably the leading prop in the game. His ability to get the team moving forward and making plenty of metres gets his side in good positions for attack and his solid defensive game is something any team would crave.

Brett Morris
Brett's highly publicised move from St George Illawarra to join his brother at the Bulldogs has the potential to lead the club to many years of success. Having an intimate knowledge of each other's game and a versatility to play anywhere in the backline sees his acquisition key to unlocking the 'Dogs enormous potential. Playing with his twin brother will also help get the absolute best out of him, and barring injury could have a highly successful season.

Josh Reynolds
Reynolds is widely renowned for being a "grub" on the field but his quality cannot be ignored. Starting out as a hooker, Josh has seemingly transitioned into a five-eighth, and his partnership in the halves with Trent Hodkinson will be key to the Bulldogs' success this season. A solid kicking game, good defensive skills and ability to get under the opposition's skin is a quality any team (whether they would like to admit it or not) would love to possess.

ROOKIE TO WATCH
Michael Lichaa
The rookie hooker signed from Cronulla has big boots to fill in the departed Michael Ennis, but his inclusion as a starting hooker will be key to the success of his new side. Developing a solid partnership and understanding with his halves will be vital in the Bulldogs set up and plenty of eyes will be on him to try and steer the ship for the Dogs in both attack and defence.

PLAYER MOVEMENTS
Gains - Matt Frawley (Raiders), Antonio Kaufusi (Huddersfield), Shaun Lane, Michael Lichaa (Sharks), Jacob Loko (mid-season - Eels),Brett Morris (Dragons), Curtis Rona (Cowboys)

Losses - Mitch Brown (Sharks), Lachlan Burr (Titans), Michael Ennis (Sharks), Dale Finucane (Storm), Krisnan Inu (French rugby), Reni Maitua (Featherstone), Tom Murphy,John Sila (Tigers), Patrick Templeman

BEST LINE UP
1. Sam Perrett
2. Corey Thompson
3. Tim Lafai
4. Josh Morris
5. Brett Morris
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Aidan Tolman
9. Michael Lichaa
10. James Graham
11. Tony Williams
12. Josh Jackson
13. Greg Eastwood

Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. David Klemmer 16. Frank Pritchard 17. Sam Kasiano