Leo Thompson has welcomed the sight of captain Stephen Crichton barking at halfback Lachlan Galvin, claiming Canterbury can only snap out of their NRL slump if they hold each other accountable.
Bulldogs aim to halt losing streak
Canterbury head into Friday’s Magic Round meeting with fellow strugglers Cronulla aiming to halt a run of four-straight losses following a 44-12 defeat to the Dolphins last Thursday. The Bulldogs (3-6) made the top four last year but sit 13th after 10 rounds, and the frustrations of skipper Crichton came to the fore late in the Dolphins loss.
After Kodi Nikorima waltzed through a gap between Galvin and prop Harry Hayes to score in the 65th minute, Crichton could be seen shouting in the direction of Bulldogs halfback Galvin and clapping his hands together in anger.
Thompson backs Crichton's passion
Thompson, when asked on Monday about Crichton’s outburst, said: “It (the result) means a lot to us and it’s something we encourage at this club. We’re all encouraged to coach each other and keep each other to a high standard. There are some things we like to embrace and we don’t take anything to heart when we do have those conversations.”
Coach Cameron Ciraldo said Canterbury were continually making “soft” defensive decisions on their edges. Ciraldo has flipped his centres this year with Crichton switching to the right edge and Bronson Xerri slotting on the left.
“I didn’t hear that (Ciraldo’s comment) but I think it’s about us going out and competing,” said Hayes. “We don’t go into the game with that soft mindset. We want to go out there and work hard for each other and that’s what we’ve got to do this weekend.”
Thompson building fitness after injury
Cronulla have won just one of their last four and Canterbury will need a big performance from Thompson if they are to get their season back on track. Thompson was recruited to Belmore with the aim of being the bell cow of the Dogs pack, but the New Zealander is winless in his first four games after a calf injury delayed his debut until Round 7.
“I’m still building and I’m happy, personally, with the way my game’s progressing,” Thompson said. “I’m getting fitter, punching out more minutes and more work, so it’s just upwards for me. I’m just focusing on fitting in the system at the moment and doing my job for the team. As I get more comfortable in games I’ll start to bring a little bit of my game and express myself a bit more.”
Positive news: King returns to contact training
In some positive news for the Bulldogs, NSW State of Origin front-rower Max King underwent contact training with the Dogs main squad on Monday after sustaining a broken jaw in last month’s win over Penrith. “He’s big for our forward pack, he starts the game really well for us and we’ve missed him,” Hayes said. “The boys that have come in have done a really good job but Max is a great leader for our forward pack.”
