After weeks of speculation, Kevin Moore's fate as coach of Canterbury was finally sealed on Thursday, when he stood down from the NRL club with immediate effect.

Moore's decision severs a 40-year association with the Bulldogs, after he was told on Tuesday by chief executive Todd Greenberg and chairman Ray Dib his services would not be required in 2012.

Despite knowing his fate, the 45-year-old travelled with the team to Auckland on Thursday morning ahead of Friday's clash with the Warriors.

The players were unaware of the club's decision, with Greg Eastwood and Steve Turner both backing Moore in interviews to reporters ahead of their flight across the Tasman.

Assistant coach Jim Dymock will take over the reins until the end of the season.

Moore, who still had 12 months to run on his contract, was named Dally M coach of the year in 2009, in his first season at the helm, taking the Bulldogs from the wooden spoon to preliminary semi-finalists.

However, a poor 2010 campaign saw the team miss the finals, and despite assembling an expensively assembled smorgasbord of talent in the off-season, the Bulldogs languish in 11th spot on the ladder.

Greenberg paid tribute to Moore's contribution to the club, but said a change had to be made.

"Kev has been great for our club over a 40-year period across a number of roles, from ball boy to head coach," Greenberg said.

"However with regard to the head coaching position it had become clear that it was time for a change.

"It's an incredibly hard position for us all to be in given Kev's standing within the club and we are certain his contribution over a lifetime not just his time as head coach will be given due recognition by all Bulldogs supporters."

Moore's axing will reignite speculation NSW coach Ricky Stuart is in line to take over at Belmore.

However, Greenberg denied the club had made any approach to the former Cronulla and Sydney Roosters mentor.

"Despite the innuendo and rumour, we haven't sourced a coach for next season and we haven't spoken to one," Greenberg told Fox Sports.

"I've heard Ricky's name, along with a dozen others ... we'll look at everybody and see what fits best for the club.

"Ricky has done a very good job with the NSW State of Origin team and we need to source a range of coaches ... and what we need is to find the person that best fits our roster and the club."

Moore, the son of legendary Bulldogs supremo Peter Moore, was contracted until the end of 2012 campaign and angrily denied he would be sacked last week, refusing to answer questions about his future.

However, the club's decision to dispense with his services saw him quit on the flight to Auckland, having declined to speak to the media at Sydney airport.

"On Tuesday 12 July, I was told by Ray Dib, Canterbury-Bankstown RLFC Chairman, and Todd Greenberg, club CEO, that my services as head coach were no longer required by the Club after season 2011," he said in a statement.

"Having considered the impact this will have on my family, my support staff and the players, and importantly, the club that I love and have been involved with since the early 1970s, I will stand down effective immediately having helped the team complete its preparation for the game against the Warriors.

"I feel very privileged to have been a part of a great club for so long and I want to thank all who have been a part of this journey with me."

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