Canterbury NRL chairman moves to calm fans
Canterbury chairman Ray Dibb has written to fans of the NRL club, assuring them coach Kevin Moore won't be sacked this weekend.
Dibb was responding to a media report, suggesting a majority of the Bulldogs board could move to relieve Moore of his duties if the side goes down to competition front-runners Melbourne on Saturday night in Adelaide.
"I can assure you that Kevin Moore will not be sacked, based on the result of this weekend's game," Dibb wrote on the club's website.
"Kevin has a contract as the head coach of the Bulldogs and the club will work closely with him and support him at all times.
"Ultimately, all of our staff and players are held accountable for the results both on and off the field, but leadership is about lifting people up not tearing them down."
Dibb confirmed Moore and his coaching staff had met the board last week, but as part of a previously-scheduled mid-season review.
"(This was) an opportunity for the coaching staff to update the directors on a range of issues," Dibb wrote. "A similar meeting will be held at the end of the season.
"It's important to note that the entire club, from the board of directors through to the players and staff, are all determined and united in our collective desire to improve our on-field results.
"During the tough times, it's important that people stick together."
Moore, the son of the club's late patriarch Peter "Bullfrog" Moore, is contracted to the club until the end of 2012.
Reports suggest the board is divided over his future, with the 10th-placed side managing just seven wins from 15 starts despite an impressive off-season recruitment drive.
"We are in a results-based business and, when faced with performances like we have seen in recent months, disappointment and frustration are two entirely understandable responses," the letter read.
"While we acknowledge our shortcomings, no one at the Bulldogs is looking for an easy way out and nor do we intend to start now.
"Hard work continues behind the scenes to ensure a better performance against the Storm on Saturday night."
The Bulldogs are far from the only NRL club under the pump as the season heads for the home straight.
Parramatta on Monday confirmed centre Jacob Loko will require surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament tear, while Jeff Robson (hamstring) and Jordan Atkins (ribs) are battling to be fit for Friday night's clash with the Wests Tigers.
The Eels realistically need to win eight of their last nine games, and former captain Nathan Cayless said they are capable of repeating their stunning run of two seasons ago.
"The guys just have to look back over what we achieved during that run there and it's just a matter of everyone playing their best footy," Cayless told AAP.
"They're not out of the equation yet.
"I think they're definitely a chance if they can play their best footy, like they showed against the Dragons (a draw) and Manly (a narrow loss)."
Elsewhere, Newcastle hooker Isaac De Gois will learn the results of scans on his injured knee on Tuesday, while centre Keith Lulia will be tested this week for the head knock he suffered in scoring a try against St George Illawarra.
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