Bulldogs NRL news: Phil Gould explains Canterbury’s recruitment approach

Phil Gould explains> There is a certain method to the madness of our recruitment drive

Canterbury will head into next season with a host of fresh faces among their squad – and there is a certain method to the madness of their recruitment drive according to Phil Gould.

After a stretch of disappointing results, the Bulldogs have undergone a major roster overhaul in the lead-up to 2024, with the likes of Kyle Flanagan, Tevita Pangai Junior and Luke Thompson freeing up crucial salary cap space.

With the cliche ‘war chest’ at his disposal, Gould has managed to lure three-time premiership winner Stephen Crichton away from the Panthers, while players such as Josh Curran and Bronson Xerri will also join the club.

But in recent months, question marks have been raised regarding some of Gould’s signings and the lack of variety, with utilities Jaeman Salmon, Drew Hutchison and Kurt Mann all potentially playing similar roles.

Phil Gould explains Bulldogs recruitment approach

In an interview with SEN Radio on Wednesday, the club’s head of football opened up on the approach to Canterbury’s recruitment and what he wants out of the squad next season.

“What we’ve tried to do this year is bring some experience and football IQ into the club around attacking football, and also to get some players that have been in successful systems,” Gould said.

“Buying players from Penrith, Souths, Roosters and those sorts of things we hope will rub off on us in the way they prepare and look at football.

“You’re going to need more than just a half and five-eighth during the course of the season… you need depth of talent. We’ve got a nice mix of talent there that are all at that stage where they have played 60, 70 first grade games.

“Right at the moment, we’re recruiting for the best interest of the team and we’ll go from there.”

One area of concern for the Dogs is their lack of front-row options, with the previously-mentioned duo of Thompson and Pangai leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the field.

As it stands, Canterbury have just six recognised props, headlined by Max King and Liam Knight, with their touted acquisition of Sio Siua Taukeiaho falling over at the final hurdle.

Gould admitted the lack of big men was an issue for his side, but also urged fans to back the younger players in the squad who will receive an opportunity.

“I think everyone knows that and sees that – the problem is, there’s nothing really on the market to buy and we don’t want to rush out and spend the money,” he said.

“We’ve probably got a little bit more than people see there, we’ve got some young blokes there that didn’t play a lot of football this year and they’d be feeling a lot better about it if they’d seen them play.

“We’re certainly looking, we’ve got money available and we can make spots available, and we realise that’s an issue for us and we’re working towards it.

“Internally, we’re pretty confident with the blokes we’ve got – but there’s no doubt that we are looking for an experienced middle-forward.”

One of those big-name middles that Gould could potentially target is Addin Fonua-Blake, with the former NSW Origin coach expressing some interest in the wantaway Warriors powerhouse – but understands he won’t come cheap.

Who will play in the halves for Canterbury Bulldogs?
Another query surrounding Belmore heading into the new year is their halves situation, with new recruits Hutchison, Mann and Blake Taaffe potentially placing pressure on the incumbent six and seven.

Matt Burton has been a revelation at centre during his career but the club have already invested plenty of time and effort into his development as a playmaker, while Toby Sexton is coming into a make-or-break season for his career.

“Matty Burton is still young and was sort of thrust into this role without much preparation, so we certainly haven’t written him off as a playmaker of the future,” Gould said.

On the same day as Gould’s in-depth interview, co-captain Burton also fronted the media to reiterate his desire to remain at five-eighth long-term under head coach Cameron Ciraldo.

“I spoke to the coach yesterday and just talking about the position,” he said.

“I’m working my backside off to play five-eighth, but whatever is best for the team, that’s cool.

“I just like hands on the ball and directing the team around, that’s the player I want to be.”

At this stage, Burton will likely wear the No.6 jumper for the Dogs, while Sexton is expected to get first crack at the halfback jumper with Karl Oloapu sidelined due to a neck injury.

Canterbury Bulldogs 2024 predicted lineup
1. Stephen Crichton
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Jeral Skelton
5. Jacob Kiraz
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Liam Knight
11. Jacob Preston
12. Viliame Kikau
13. Josh Curran

14. Blake Taaffe
15. Chris Patolo
16. Ryan Sutton
17. Kurt Mann