Averaging 13.8 points per game and scoring just 38 tries through the opening 16 rounds, to say the Bulldogs are lacking spark is an understatement akin to suggesting AFL great Warwick Capper wore loose-fitting playing shorts.

And despite boasting an attacking record that has the Bulldogs faithful questioning the side’s commitment, Reynolds said his troops had to first focus on getting the basics right.

“It’s nothing to do with attack, confidence, nothing. People say our attack is lacking or whatever but in the end mate I think it’s actually the little things,” Reynolds said.

“We just haven’t been able to nail the simple things really, we probably throw the ball around and look better when we do it, but when it comes to little gritty things we just aren’t nailing them at the moment.”

Coach Des Hasler has come under heavy criticism for failing to reinvigorate the playing style which saw Canterbury reach the 2012 and 2014 grand finals.

Several experts, including those within the Bulldogs’ hierarchy, are pleading with the two-time premiership-winning mentor to scrap the current game plan in a bid to return the proud club to the top of the table.

But with the side languishing in 13th place and needing to win almost all of their remaining matches just to make the finals, Hasler and co must find a solution, and fast.  

 “We aren’t creating those chances. When we do get down there and create that stuff we can nail those moments, but it’s about camping down there and making sure we are getting those opportunities,” Reynolds said.

“We have got to work on our field positioning. Our back five are really great at bringing it back, it’s just at crucial times we are making poor decisions.”

The Bulldogs face the eighth-placed Eels tonight at ANZ Stadium.