It might be a good sign for the future of the Melbourne Storm, with their young brigade easily beating the Bulldogs 23-12 at AAMI Park today – but Kevin Moore and the Dogs must be getting worried after now losing 8 of their 11 games in 2010.
The Storm under temporary coach Stephen Kearney marched out without Slater, Inglis, Smith and White – but it mattered little.
With former Dragon Chase Stanley taking Inglis’ spot and whizkid Gareth Whiddop taking the fullback position – the Bulldogs were down 23-0 at halftime.
It was pretty much over.
While Canterbury did make some inroads in the second term and kept the Storm scoreless, it was always going to be an uphill battle.
For a side that nearly went all the way last year, many expected the Bulldogs to be a consistent force. They haven’t lost much in terms of personnel from last year, but obviously the attitude has changed or it might not be a happy home – as Hannant eluded to.
Coach Kevin Moore believes his side are simply trying too hard – down on their luck, they are overcooking it in attack and forcing errors.
Their Origin stars in Kimmorley, Ennis and Idris were all there – but it didn’t help them today.
The Dogs haven’t got a victory in Melbourne since 2005, they now face a mammoth task to try and make the 2010 semi finals.