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Mick Potter confirmed as Barrett's Dogs replacement

NRL

Mick Potter will take the reins from Trent Barrett at the battling Canterbury Bulldogs for the rest of the NRL season.

A two-time premiership-winning player with the Bulldogs, Potter coached Wests Tigers in 2013 and 2014 but failed to reach the finals in either campaign.

Currently coaching Canterbury's feeder club Mounties in the NSW Cup, Potter will fill the void at the bottom-of-the-table side after Barrett stepped down on Monday.

A 16-6 loss to Newcastle on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium in the Magic Round opener proved the final straw for Bulldogs officials, who spent the weekend discussing Barrett's future.

Barrett took the decision out of the board's hands, stepping down from the role effective immediately on Monday morning.

The Bulldogs (2-8) are averaging fewer than 10 points per game in the first 10 rounds, an unwanted offensive feat not matched since the South Queensland Crushers battled in 1996.

Barrett leaves Belmore having won just five of 34 matches in charge, despite an expensive recruitment drive that has included the additions of Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Tevita Pangai, Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan.

The coach's departure has already triggered player movement, with Brent Naden joining the Tigers and others reportedly considering an exit.

Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould said Potter's experience would be crucial before they looked for a permanent replacement.

"It is great to have a genuine legend returning to the club," Gould said.

"Michael has extensive experience in the game and will bring a new voice and new ideas to our players."

Potter said he was honoured and excited about the opportunity to help.

"I wish it were under different circumstances as I've known Trent for a long time and I really feel for him," he said.

Meanwhile, Brent Naden has also departed the Canterbury to link up with Wests Tigers, whom the Bulldogs face this weekend.

The 26-year-old's exit doesn't appear to be the only one after Barrett's departure with former player and assistant coach Steve Turner not named among the off-field staff in Tuesday's team list.

High performance manager Dan Ferris, who worked with Barrett at Manly, is also reported to have been let go by the Bulldogs.

Star recruit Matt Burton is another who is expected to depart Canterbury.

The 22-year-old has an option in his favour for the final year of his two-season deal and would be free to talk to other clubs if he decides to quit the Bulldogs at season's end.

Fellow newcomers Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan have been linked with moves to English Super League with neither having a deal on the table from the Bulldogs beyond this season.

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