Bulldogs’ Recruitment Woes Exposed in Loss to Rabbitohs: Rothfield

The Bulldogs suffered their third loss of the season on Good Friday, falling to the Rabbitohs in a disappointing display that highlighted their struggles in the halves. The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield criticized the club’s recruitment in the playmaking positions, noting that they lacked someone to effectively manage the attack.

Despite dominating possession and tackles inside the opposition 20, the Bulldogs failed to capitalize on their opportunities, ultimately leading to their defeat. Coach Cameron Ciraldo’s decision to start Drew Hutchison at halfback did not pay off, with Rothfield describing him as not being a consistent NRL quality halfback.

While the Bulldogs have shown improvement defensively compared to previous seasons, conceding only 71 points in four games, their lack of points scored is a cause for concern. Despite boasting talented players like Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, and Josh Addo-Carr, the team’s struggles in the halves have hindered their attacking prowess.

Rothfield commended the Bulldogs for recruiting high-caliber players but emphasized the importance of having a quality halfback to complement the talent on the roster. The failure to secure a top-tier playmaker has been a recurring issue for the Bulldogs, with several unsuccessful attempts to sign established halves in recent years.

The situation is reminiscent of the Gold Coast Titans, who have also faced challenges in the halfback position. Tanah Boyd’s struggles have raised doubts about his future in the team, with Toby Sexton, who previously played for the Titans, now making an impact at the Bulldogs.

As both teams grapple with their playmaking woes, the upcoming rounds will be crucial in determining their success this season. Fans will be eager to see how Ciraldo and the coaching staff address these issues and whether changes will be made to improve their performances on the field.