Pay ready to home in on Bulldogs role
DEAN Pay has declared he would love to “come home’’ and become the new head coach of Canterbury.
Pay, who played more than 100 first-grade games at Belmore in the early 90s, has emerged as one of the frontrunners, alongside axed South Sydney boss Michael Maguire, to take over from sacked coach Des Hasler.
While Pay has not had any direct contact with the Bulldogs, the 48-year-old said from Canberra yesterday he was ready for the top job after serving a lengthy apprenticeship under Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.
Stuart, who finished his playing career at the Bulldogs, threw his support behind Pay for the top job and declared: “He’s ready, and he’ll never be more ready.’’
Pay has also been interviewed for the vacant Warrington position, and while he would not hesitate moving to England if given the opportunity, the 48-year-old says the Bulldogs “are always in my heart’’.
“Yes, I’d certainly be interested,’’ said Pay.
“I spent a long time there during my playing career and I’ve always had a soft spot for them. They’ll always be in my heart. The chance to go back there and be a head coach really appeals to me.
“It would be like coming home. The passion you have for the club as a player would certainly come through as a coach, if not more.’’
During six years at Canterbury, Hasler made the finals five times which included two grand final appearances. But club greats Steve Mortimer and Terry Lamb maintained Hasler never understood the club’s culture, concerned that under the former Manly great they were losing their Canterbury DNA.
Although he has no NRL head-coach experience Pay, a fearless forward and fan favourite, with current Bulldogs assistant Jim Dymock, would perfectly fit that mantra.
“As a kid, you had blokes like David Gillespie and Steve Folkes, and those older guys drove the culture, and you’d just fall into line,’’ Pay said.
“That’s how the club was in those days. Those lessons learned still play a big part in my life now. Working hard, respecting people, they’re the life skills learned while at Canterbury.
“They’ve certainly got a nucleus for a good team.
“You’ve got Aaron Woods coming in, and Kieran Foran.
“They’re both internationals. Then some of the young guys like Marcelo Montoya and young (Danny) Fualalo, so there’s a lot of upside.’’
Stuart said Pay would go with his blessing if the Dogs came barking.
“I’m happy there are a few opportunities for Dean,’’ Stuart said.