The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are in a bit of a pickle, and it's not just their fans who are feeling the heat. Former star player Michael Ennis has weighed in, urging the club to make some drastic changes to their spine, or risk being left in the dust. Ennis, who played 136 games for the club, is concerned about the team's recent performance, especially their attack, which has been a cause for concern throughout the season. He believes that the Bulldogs need to seriously consider a reshuffle of their spine, particularly the five-eighth position, to get their attack back on track.
Ennis highlights the team's struggle to adapt to the set restart rules at the start of the season, which led to a defensive mindset that couldn't keep up with the quick ruck. As the season progressed, the Bulldogs found a rhythm defensively, but their attack remained a problem. The loss to Souths was a stark reminder of their issues, with Ennis calling it a 'huge step backwards'.
One of the key players in question is Stephen Crichton, who has been playing as a five-eighth. Ennis believes that Crichton is a world-class centre and should be returned to that position. He also questions the creativity of the team's other players, particularly fullback Connor Tracey and dummy-half Bailey Hayward, suggesting that they lack the spark needed to ignite the team's attack. Ennis thinks that the Bulldogs need a more creative and unpredictable five-eighth, someone who can bring a spark to the team's play.
The young gun Lachlan Galvin has been a bright spot for the Bulldogs, but Ennis believes he is better suited as a six. He also thinks that the team needs a seven, and suggests that the club should consider bringing in some fresh talent, like Mitch Woods and Alex Conti, who have been performing well in the NSW Cup. However, Ennis also acknowledges the importance of effort and the Bulldog spirit, which Tracey and Hayward bring to the team, even if they lack the creativity needed for a top-four finish.
Ennis's commentary highlights the need for the Bulldogs to reassess their strategy and make some bold moves. He believes that the team's current spine setup is not the answer, and that a complete overhaul is necessary to get them back on track. With the season coming to a close, the Bulldogs have a tough decision to make, and Ennis's insights provide a valuable perspective on what needs to change.
