Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Coach Des Hasler has spoken with the media in preparation for the Bulldogs clash with the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, applauding the performances of the tri-colours, and in particular, halfback Mitchell Pearce.
After an impressive win against the Titans led by Pearce, Hasler praised the performance of the Roosters number seven, after a 2016 season he will want to forget.
“Mitchell’s a good player, it’s as simple as that. I thought they were very classy and clinical against the Titans and started really well. Something we have to be really mindful of, they’re a big side and they’re full of running. We’re going to have to be watchful and make sure we start with the same intensity”, said Hasler.
The Bulldogs Coach was impressed with the Sydney Roosters start to the season and expressed both teams will need to play well to secure the win.
“They’re a very contendable team. It’s a matter of just winning and you’re going to have to play well to beat them at the moment.”
“They’re big human beings aren’t they on both edges, in Latrell (Mitchell) and (Blake) Ferguson. I think Latrell is just one of those players that can make a hand of any position. With the experience in those two and (Shaun) Kenny Dowall, they have very classy edges” said Hasler.
Following the loss at Belmore last week, Hasler also reflected on his team’s performance against the Melbourne Storm in the difficult conditions. He expressed that his five-eighth, Josh Reynolds’, was very disappointed at being beaten by the Storm at home.
“We didn’t take our chances, I thought, particularly against a side like Melbourne who are very experienced at closing a game down.”
“Josh (Reynolds) plays with heart and passion. He was a bit disappointed he came up with some errors at a crucial time but the conditions were that way. I’m sure he will be up to make amends this week.”
Hasler is also confident halfback Moses Mbye will be fit and ready to go on Thursday night after a collision with Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
“With the quick turnaround to Thursday he will just spend a lot of time in the hyperbaric (chamber), but we’re pretty sure he will be okay.”
The Bulldogs will head to Allianz Stadium to play the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night at 8:05pm AEST.
