'Dogs out to restore pride against Eels - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

'Dogs out to restore pride against Eels

By Liam FitzGibbon 20/08/2008 04:29:02 PM Comments (0)

With the Sonny Bill Williams saga now well and truly over, Andrew Ryan said the Bulldogs could now get on with restoring some pride at the NRL club.

With three rounds remaining the Bulldogs sit just two points above the bottom of the ladder and - after five straight losses - are favourites to collect the wooden spoon.

They have conceded 184 points in the four matches since Williams walked out to play rugby union in France and could be forgiven for wanted the torrid season to end.

But Ryan said the Bulldogs were still determined to finish 2008 on a positive note, starting with Saturday's clash against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.

"We're playing for everyone involved in the club - the playing staff, coaching staff and mainly our loyal supporters who continue to turn up each week," Ryan said on Wednesday at Westmead Children's Hospital for the launch of Saturday's 'Bandaged Bear Cup.'

"It doesn't matter where we play. Last week it was freezing out at Penrith and our fans were still there so hopefully we can give them a win."

The Williams saga finally ended on Monday when the Bulldogs accepted a $750,000 settlement to drop their legal case against the runaway backrower.

Ryan said the news didn't even rate a mention at training.

"For us, we've just moved on from it a few weeks ago so we just want to train and do our thing and that's all we'll worry about," Ryan said.

"It's all done with as far as I'm concerned.

Ryan said club had reason to be optimistic about the future and was already excited about 2009 when Kevin Moore takes over as coach.

The club has signed Brett Kimmorley, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, and Josh Morris for next season and Williams' departure has freed up funds for more additions.

"Obviously the guys coming in, there's some great signings there and we've got a lot of young kids coming in as well who are outstanding talents and we've seen a few of them in first grade this year," Ryan said.

"The future's looking good but for us the playing group and the coach we want to finish 2008 on a good note."

Greenberg admitted on Wednesday the timing of Williams' exit had come at a difficult time for recruitment but expected to announce more new faces before next season.

"Certainly there's not (many players) available now and there's certainly no other Sonny Bill Williams floating around," Greenberg said.

"But we'll be patient, you never know what's around the corner and you never know what might pop it's head up so we'll be patient and see what happens."

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