Bulldogs officials have reportedly been fabricating quotes from rival players in an attempt to inspire their underperforming squad.
The Daily Telegraph published an image of a printed sign which was stuck inside the club’s Belmore training ground ahead of their clash against the Knights two weeks ago.
It included statements which were supposedly said by Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien, halfback Jackson Hastings and utility Phoenix Crossland.
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The piece of paper reads:
“He probably could play Sunday but we didn’t think it was worth the risk”: Adam O’Brien on Bradman Best.
“A home final would be insane. I’m sure it’s in the back of everyone’s minds”: Phoenix Crossland.
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“It was like a training run”: Jackson Hastings on the 66-0 win over the Bulldogs earlier in the season.
According to The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield, a member of the Bulldogs coaching staff concocted the quotes.
He told Big Sports Breakfast: “They just made the quotes up and stuck them on the wall at Belmore and in the sheds at McDonald Jones Stadium!”
The ploy didn’t work, as they suffered another 42-6 drubbing at the hands of the Knights.
Canterbury-Bankstown powerbrokers are also investigating how the photo was released to the media alongside the news of Tevita Pangai Junior’s NRL retirement.
Rothfield said on Big Sports Breakfast: “I don’t think it’s fair to the Knights to be doing that sort of thing.”
He added: “I guess it sums up the Bulldogs’ season. It’s been a bit of a disaster.”
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