Despite finishing the 2016 season in 7th position, many pundits and fans called for change at the club and questioned whether Des Hasler was the right man to coach the club.
The Bulldogs were convincingly beaten in their only Finals match by a much younger and inexperienced Panthers side. Will 2017 be any different?
The 2017 Bulldogs team looks very similar to the 2016 team, which on paper, means they should be once again looking for a Finals berth. The Bulldogs spine remains the same and that will be a major concern for many fans.
Will Hopoate is a solid fullback but doesn't create many opportunities. Josh Reynolds is an old-school five-eighth, with a great running game and dangerous with the ball in his hands, but he too doesn't create that much for those around him.
The bulk of the play-making duties in the spine falls on young Moses Mbye and he struggled throughout the season, which led to Canterbury scoring the least amount of points of the teams that made the finals.
What is positive about the having a similar team to last year is that means the Bulldogs will once again start the season with one of the biggest forward packs in the game. Will it be enough to deeper into the finals?
PICK YOUR NRL TEAM: Not a fan of the above team? Then take over as the coach and pick your line-up!