NRL: Bulldogs in disarray after Moore's resignation

Kevin Moore. Photo / Getty Images

The Bulldogs will head into tonight's match against the Warriors in turmoil after head coach Kevin Moore stood down yesterday.

The Herald understands the Bulldogs players were called into the changing sheds after yesterday's training session in Auckland and told assistant coach Jim Dymock would take over the coaching duties after Moore was informed by the club he would not be required next year.

Moore flew back to Australia after addressing the players.

His future had been the subject of intense speculation, with the Bulldogs losing seven of their last nine games to slide to 11th on the NRL ladder.

Weekend reports in Australia suggested mediation by former club great Terry Lamb had eased the pressure on Moore, however a continued lack of support from the club's board is believed to have pushed him into his dramatic resignation.

Tonight's match promises to be a bomb-fest. The sight of fullbacks and wingers flailing around under towering bombs hasn't brought much joy to the Warriors this season.

The club's inability to deal with Jarryd Hayne's spiralling monsters led directly to their round one defeat at Eden Park, while the problem also reared its head in the narrow defeat by the Storm in round 16.

Last week, however, a bumbling Bulldogs back three led by Ben Barba made the Warriors' worst efforts seem fairly mundane as they collapsed against the Storm.

Ivan Cleary smiles rarely but the footage of Barba impersonating a blind man on a dark night, coupled with another wet and wild forecast for Mt Smart tonight, might well have caused a mild upward flutter in the corners of the Warriors' coach's mouth.

"We'll probably be putting a few up," Cleary admitted.

* Suggestions Tony Iro has withdrawn his interest in becoming the next Warriors head coach appear to be wide of the mark.

Iro, an assistant to Ivan Cleary, didn't respond to a request for an interview last night, however the Herald understands he still intends to apply for the role.

Chief executive Wayne Scurrah could also not be reached for comment. Former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan remains the favourite for the job.

Scurrah confirmed last week the club had received significant overseas interest in the role, however no major names have yet been linked to the post.

Suggestions backroom staff such as high performance manager Craig Walker are set to follow Cleary to Penrith may be premature. Walker's relationship with Cleary dates back to their days at the Roosters. However, the Herald understands Walker is settled in Auckland and is still considering his options.

Mt Smart Stadium, 8.30 tonight

WARRIORS
Kevin Locke
Bill Tupou
Joel Moon
Shaun Berrigan
Manu Vatuvei
James Maloney
Shaun Johnson
Russell Packer
Aaron Heremaia
Jacob Lillyman
Feleti Mateo
S. Mannering (c)
Micheal Luck

BULLDOGS
Ben Barba
Steve Turner
Josh Morris
Jamal Idris
Jonathon Wright
Kris Keating
Trent Hodkinson
Aiden Tolman
Dene Halatau
Sam Kasiano
Frank Pritchard
Andrew Ryan
David Stagg

Warriors: Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Steve Rapira.

Bulldogs: Greg Eastwood, Martin Taupau, Gary Warburton, Ben Roberts.