Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Mid-Season Report Card

After the disappointment of a second Grand Final loss in the space of three years, the Bulldogs haven't been able to strike up any cohesion so far this season. At times Des Hasler's troops have showed tremendous resolve and flair to come away with strong wins, but inconsistency around the halves has been a major talking point for Canterbury supporters.

Starting the year promisingly with three victories from the opening four matches, the Bulldogs were able to use the size and power of their forward pack to outmuscle opponents, while the speed and class of new recruit Brett Morris also played a major factor. Undoubtedly the Good Friday clash with South Sydney was a huge turning point in their season; in the aftermath of the one-point loss, the Bulldogs lost Brett Morris through injury, forwards James Graham and David Klemmer to suspension, while the scenes of fans attacking match officials tarnished the clubs reputation.

Unable to strike up any major consistency, winning three of their next nine games, two of the more inexperienced players have starred, with Curtis Rona leading the NRL try-scoring race with 13, while Moses Mbye has put immense pressure on Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds for a starting role.

Positives:
At their best, the Bulldogs forward pack is the best in the NRL. Led up-front by Aiden Tolman and James Graham, Canterbury at times have displayed the type of form that led to the club being dubbed "The Dogs of War" during the 1980s. Likewise the development of David Klemmer and Josh Jackson into representative class players has been a major benefit that will serve Des Hasler well going into the back-half of 2015.

Negatives:
Having led New South Wales to their first series win in eight years, as well as the Bulldogs to the Premiership decided last year, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds haven't been able to recapture their 2014 prime. With Reynolds once again spending time on the sidelines through suspension and Hodkinson being replaced at a crucial time against the Dragons, supporters have questioned whether the pair are capable of getting Canterbury to another finals series.

Best Player:
Earning a call-up to the Bulldogs Grand Final squad in place of Michael Ennis last year, Moses Mbye has continued his rapid development in 2015. Whether it be in the halves or at centre, Mbye has provided Canterbury with an unpredictable attacking spark supporters have lacked since the departure of Ben Barba. Capable of long-range tries, Mbye has also stepped up to produce field-goals leading to wins twice this season.

Predicted Finish:
With the Bulldogs only leaving Sydney to play the Broncos and Knights to finish 2015, the consistency of playing the majority of the remainder of games at ANZ Stadium will benefit the side greatly. At their best Canterbury can bury teams, but the big question remains over their halves.
Top 8 finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 6
Lost: 7
Bye: 1
Points Scored: 266 (8th)
Points Conceded: 300 (13th)
Placed: 11th
Overall Ranking: =12th

Season So Far

Round 1 Panthers 24 v 18 Bulldogs

Round 2 Bulldogs 32 v 12 Eels

Round 3 Sea Eagles 12 v 16 Bulldogs

Round 4 Tigers 24 v 25 Bulldogs

Round 5 Bulldogs 17 v 18 Rabbitohs

Round 6 Dragons 31 v 6 Bulldogs

Round 7 Bulldogs 28 v 16 Sea Eagles

Round 8 Bulldogs 14 v 38 Tigers

Round 9 Cowboys 23 v 16 Bulldogs

Round 10 Bulldogs 10 v 24 Roosters

Round 11 Raiders 34 v 41 Bulldogs

Round 13 Bulldogs 29 v 16 Dragons

Round 14 Titans 28 v 14 Bulldogs