LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canterbury Bulldogs are feeling the heat after their lacklustre performance in round one, with criticism flying in from league legends Matty Johns and Greg Alexander about Matt Burton's role as the team's five-eighth.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo, however, is standing firmly behind Burton, dismissing calls for him to be moved back to the centres.
Johns suggested moving Burton to left centre to "stimulate his running game," while Alexander voiced his doubts about Burton's effectiveness as a No.6.
He believes that Burton shone as a centre at Penrith and even at Origin level, hinting that a return to that position could be beneficial for Canterbury.
Burton, who excelled as a left centre during Penrith's grand final win in 2021, has struggled to make the same impact since joining the Bulldogs.
Despite the team's challenges and a new halves partner in Drew Hutchison, the Bulldogs' attacking efforts fell short in round one.
Ciraldo has also dispelled rumors about Josh Addo-Carr's potential involvement in the Bulldogs' upcoming clash with Cronulla, aiming to focus his team on the task at hand.
It's a test of character for the Bulldogs as they look to bounce back and prove their detractors wrong on the field.