Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Josh Massoud, Daily Telegraph - One name sums up the real reason Andrew Johns is no longer mentoring playmakers at the Bulldogs: Brett Kimmorley. Pint-sized Kimmorley has more on his plate than just directing the reborn Bulldogs around the playing field this season. He was also recruited to school them on the training field under rookie NRL coach Kevin Moore.

Bulldogs diehards who trekked out to Olympic Park during the summer would have been struck by Kimmorley's influence over the ballwork sessions.

When the Bulldogs snapped up the former Test half from Cronulla last year, they didn't just buy an experienced and talented No. 7.

They also bought a pseudo-halves coach who rendered the need for Johns' consultancy services null and void.

While Moore oversees the entire show and provides counsel at vital intervals, Kimmorley is at the centre of every drill . . . barking instructions and orders to his new teammates. Watching this energetic masterclass unfold, it's incredible to think that Kimmorley was on the verge of retirement two years ago.

"I'm absolutely loving the change of scene and I've really enjoyed the off-season under Kev," Kimmorley said.

"To tell you the truth, two years ago I was nearly ready to put my hand up and tell everyone I'd had enough. But the excitement is back now. I've been put in charge of the younger halves. I'm helping them with their kicking - especially for our two centres, Josh Morris and Jamal Idris.

"When I was at Melbourne a lot of our tries were scored from cross-field kicks and we've got the strike power out wide to use them here.

"I'm loving the challenge here at the Bulldogs."

And there's some challenge in front of Kimmorley.

Like their training sessions, the Bulldogs' hopes of reversing a traumatic 2008 will rest heavily on the 32-year-old's shoulders.

Given he was released from the Sharks with a year still remaining on his deal, it's a huge vote of confidence from Moore.

The new coach, however, has been a long-time admirer of Kimmorley's character and ability.

Moore was sold while working alongside former Kangaroos coach Chris Anderson, the man Kimmorley combined with to deliver Melbourne their fairytale premiership in 1999.

"Once I knew what was happening with my future last year, I thought I played some of my best football in a while," said Kimmorley, who directed the unfancied Sharks to within a game of the 2008 grand final.

"Kevvy has given me the confidence that I'm still seen as a quality halfback - not just some older bloke standing around.

"I started to have some fun again last year and now I can't wait until our first game."