DOGS GIVE HASLER A BREAK
CANTERBURY have released the pressure valve on coach Des Hasler with a dour 16-2 NRL upset of St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium yesterday.
After a try-less first half, the Dogs snapped a fourgame losing streak with fourpointers to Josh Morris, Michael Lichaa and Marcelo Montoya in the second stanza.
The Dogs came into Round 14 under the microscope with fans in revolt over their recent performances, in particular last weekend’s flogging from Penrith.
But they rebounded with a defeat of the third-placed St George Illawarra who squandered many chances in Canterbury’s red zone and failed to score a try for the first time this year.
The Bulldogs remained in 12th spot with the win however moved to within two points of eight-placed Penrith.
After the only points of the first half came through a Gareth Widdop penalty goal, the turning point in the game came when Morris crossed for his side’s first try in 188 minutes.
Will Hopoate floated through the line from broken play and sent Josh Morris inside for what was Canterbury’s first fourpointer since Brenko Lee crossed in the first half of the game against Cronulla in Round 12.