LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Andrew Johns has identified a significant issue hindering the Bulldogs: a lack of effectiveness from dummy-half. Cameron Ciraldo's team managed to secure a 28-4 victory over the Panthers last Thursday night, which ensured their third position on the NRL ladder and granted them a double chance in the finals.
However, their performance against a severely weakened Panthers team was rather disappointing. The Panthers rested 16 players for this match, fielding a lineup reminiscent of their NSW Cup squad.
Given this context, the 28-4 scoreline raises concerns for the Bulldogs as they approach the finals. During a discussion on Channel 9, NRL Immortal Johns criticized the Bulldogs' showing, calling it "poor."
Johns emphasized the absence of a running game from the Bulldogs' dummy-halves, noting that this lack of threat simplifies the defense's job. Starting hooker Bailey Hayward recorded only two runs for eight metres in 54 minutes, while Reed Mahoney did not attempt a single run in his 26 minutes on the field.
Mahoney had been the starting hooker for most of the season but lost his position to Hayward in recent weeks. Johns pointed out that neither player presents a significant running threat.
"I thought they were poor the other night," said Johns. "Everyone was naturally saying 'they're going to win by 50' going in. There was nothing out of dummy-half. No threat at all."
He added, "It's obviously a directive from the coaching, but the most simple and most dangerous spot to attack from is dummy-half. Look at Cronulla since Blayke Brailey started running. It takes pressure off the halves and straightens the attack. When you're playing against an opposition and the big boys are tired, they're praying for you to pass. They don't want little blokes coming at them."