Bulldogs hail Des and the stable club

Canterbury powerbroker Ray Dib has embraced coach Des Hasler’s “stable instability” as key to the Bulldogs quest for NRL title success in 2016.

Hasler is seeking to take a side to the finals for the 12th successive time this year, a record that straddles two clubs and includes five grand final appearances.

As a number of other clubs endured offseasons generating headlines for all the wrong reasons, Hasler has steered the Bulldogs through calm waters.

Dib leant on a small collection of Hasler’s favourite sayings to describe their preparation for this year.

“I’m sure you would all agree that the Bulldogs have had a pretty much ideal off season,” Bulldogs chairman Dib said at the club’s season launch at Sydney Markets on Tuesday.

“We have managed to tick the two boxes that highlight the club’s approach to football. Things have been “low key” and things have been “under the radar”.

“We have achieved this because of our stability and this stability is something that I think is worth taking the time to celebrate tonight.”

Hasler has been a key force in returning the Dogs to their status as one of the NRL’s superpowers, including leading them to the 2012 grand final, in his first year at Belmore after leaving Manly, and in 2014.

“In rugby league money can buy you many things to give your team an edge. Money can buy you players, money can buy you a coach, money can buy you equipment and facilities,” Dib said.

“It cannot however buy stability and I would like to think this stability will be our secret weapon heading into the 2016 season.

“We are one of the few clubs to have stability in our coaching ranks and while there maybe some who joke around about the instability of our stable coach I think we all appreciate that Des’ willingness to do things differently is no joking matter and is key to his outstanding coaching record.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!