News 
 National News 
 National 
 Sport 
 No bull, the top Dogs see eye to eye 

No bull, the top Dogs see eye to eye

11 Feb, 2012 02:00 AM

BULLDOGS supporters need not worry. The men in charge at Canterbury, coach Des Hasler and chief executive Todd Greenberg, are getting on famously.

Hasler, who moved from Manly at the end of last year, is known for his territorial defence of the coach's domain.

But Greenberg said the pair had not disagreed on a single matter since Hasler got to work.

''Des and I spoke at length before his appointment and we understood each other's goals and we understand how each other work,'' Greenberg said.

''I think it's really simple: Des's responsibility is football. We're giving him every opportunity to try and make that a success.

''My responsibility is the club and certainly the business. We both understand that and so far we've worked really well together.''

Their agreement extends to the club's focus on community, an element that will be proudly showcased at the sold-out Back to Belmore trial match against the Roosters tomorrow.

''Des and I are very much on the same page when it comes to the initiatives we want to do and he's very respectful of the club's history and heritage,'' Greenberg said.

''There hasn't been one piece of difference of opinion. He's been very supporting in everything we're doing off the field.''

What has not been discussed, according to Greenberg, is the touted recruitment of Hasler-groomed Manly players.

Greenberg maintained the issue was off the agenda - for now.

''We've made our position very clear on recruitment and retention over the last few years, which is that we'll do it behind closed doors,'' he said.

''We won't make comments in regards to players' names. I understand the speculation innuendo going on at the moment with every players' name, and people can do that, but it's not going to come from us.''

Winning games and fans was the priority for last season's middle-of-the-table finishers, Greenberg said; two solid seasons, back to back, and big crowds. If tomorrow's trial match is any indicator, the Bulldogs are sitting pretty. The game sold out on Thursday afternoon - an unprecedented result for a pre-season match.

''Sunday is a really historical day for the club. It's the first time we've played at Belmore since 1998,'' Greenberg said.

Despite the public affection for the club's traditional home ground and a stated goal that Belmore will host an NRL match, ANZ will remain base camp for the forseeable future.

''Belmore has its limitations … the infrastructure just needs some significant investment to get it to a minimum standard, and it's below a minimum standard at the moment,'' Greenberg said.

Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size
Agreeable chaps ... Des Hasler and Todd Greenberg.
Agreeable chaps ... Des Hasler and Todd Greenberg.

Most popular articles




Stawell Times News







Weather brought to you by:

Weatherzone

Front Page

Current Issue
Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Advertising Terms | Copyright © 2012. Fairfax Media.
 SEND...
 SAVE...
 SHARE...