BULLDOGS

Were we missing something when the bookies installed the Doggies as preseason favourites? Their fabled pack has waved goodbye to world-class front-rower Roy Asotasi (Souths) and Queensland back-rower Nate Myles (Roosters). Those departures place immeasurable importance on Willie Mason and Sonny Bill Williams for the Bulldogs, who rely on a power offensive up the middle.

Mason’s thrilling to watch, but a timebomb that can sometimes detonate at the wrong moment. Last year, Williams showed that he can be an 80-minute man – and brilliant – yet questions remain about his durability. He’s also got the distraction of contract negotiations to grapple with.

If these two marquee big men don’t stand up – or worse still, go down injured – the Bulldogs will freefall

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