The Canterbury Bulldogs are preparing to navigate the absence of two of their most dynamic players, Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton, as they strategize for the upcoming matches in the NRL. Acknowledging the unique skills that Kikau and Burton bring to the field, the Bulldogs are confident that they have the right approach to compensate for their absence. The primary responsibility will fall on halfback Toby Sexton, who has shown promise in previous games.
Toby Sexton, at just 24 years old, may not have the star profile of other playmakers, but his performance following Burton’s departure in last week's victory over the Titans has been commendable. He will play a vital role in orchestrating the team’s play on the field. His ability to direct the team, along with his calm demeanor, has been noted as a critical factor in maintaining the Bulldogs' competitive edge.
"He's a great organiser. He's a good talker on the field, he directs us around and he has that calm voice on the field," said Jaeman Salmon.
In addition to Sexton's leadership, Bailey Hayward and Sitili Tupouniua will be integral in filling the void left by Kikau and Burton. The Bulldogs have made it clear they do not expect Hayward or Tupouniua to mimic the playing style of their injured teammates. Instead, they are encouraged to leverage their unique strengths to contribute effectively to the team's efforts.
"We don't expect Milk (Heyward) to come in and play like Burto. He's going to play like himself and do a great job for us," added Salmon.
Hayward, who emerged through the grades as a half, has been almost exclusively playing as a lock in the NRL. His versatility and ability to adapt will be crucial as he steps into a more prominent role. Similarly, Tupouniua brings valuable starting experience from his time with the Roosters, providing a robust presence in the team's lineup.
With Kikau sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during Sunday's win over the Titans, and Burton expected to be out for two to four weeks with his own knee problem, the Bulldogs are planning a more direct and physical style of play against their upcoming opponents, the Eels. This strategy will rely heavily on Sexton's guidance, Hayward's capability to engage with the line, and Tupouniua's effectiveness as a hole-runner.
"Whoever is covering them won't try and play like them or be them. They'll just play to their abilities, do what they do well. We have full confidence in them," Salmon assured.
The loss of Kikau's arsenal of attacking weapons is undeniably significant. His contributions were instrumental in setting the Bulldogs on course for last year’s finals berth. However, the team believes that by focusing on their collective strengths and sticking to a well-defined game plan, they can mitigate this setback.
"Nobody is going to do more than they usually would. We have a game plan we want to stick to and we need to execute that. Nobody will be doing too much," emphasized Salmon.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their encounter with the Eels, there is an understanding that both teams will be pushed to their limits. The match is expected to be fiercely contested, with both sides striving to deliver their best performance.
"It's going to go down to the last section of the game. Both teams will be out on their feet at stages so we have to work hard because we know they're going to bring their best game," commented Salmon.
