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How a former Australian cricket star is helping the Bulldogs

Canterbury has welcomed former cricket star Brad Haddin into its inner sanctum to help mentor the clubs leadership group.

Haddin was a mainstay of the Test and one-day teams during an illustrious career, cementing his spot as a keeper-batsman for the national team following the retirement of Adam Gilchrist. A passionate Raiders fan, Haddin has been the clubs No.1 ticketholder and has a strong relationship with Bulldogs coach Dean Pay from his time as an assistant in the nations capital.

Big hit: Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin has been invited into Canterbury's inner sanctum.

Big hit: Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin has been invited into Canterbury's inner sanctum.Credit:AFP

Haddin was a surprise guest of Pay at Wednesdays training session at Belmore Oval, brought in to help mentor the senior leadership team of Josh Jackson, Kieran Foran, Will Hopoate, Aiden Tolman and Adam Elliott.

“From the clubs point of view were really pleased that Dean looks at innovative ways to get the best out of our players,” Canterbury CEO Andrew Hill said.

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“Providing our players with access to someone of Brad Haddins experience in dealing with pressure and handling lots of different situations can only be a good thing for us as a club.

Brad Haddins experience in dealing with pressure and handling lots of different situations can only be a good thing for us as a club.

Canterbury CEO Andrew Hill

“Dean and Brad have had a relationship for many years. Brad is providing a bit of help, a bit of mentorship to some of our leaders in the leadership group.”

Haddin isnt the first outside sporting star invited to help motivate and mentor the Bulldogs players. The "family club" invited inspirational former wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley to address the squad ahead of its premiership campaign. The players spoke warmly of their time with the NSW Australian of the year, who spoke openly about the challenges he has overcome during his sporting career.

Haddin

was invited to watch the teams video review session and also spent time on the field while the players were put through their paces ahead of Sundays clash with St George Illawarra. Rookie winger Jayden Okunbor, who was selected for the NSW under-14 Emerging Blues cricket squad before turning his attention to rugby league, was starstruck when he saw Haddin in Pays office.

“I was is that Brad Haddin? I got taken aback,” Okunbor said.

“Hes definitely a legend. I grew up watching him when I was playing a bit. It was pretty cool.”

Playmaker Lachlan Lewis said having Haddin around the club would only benefit the team.

“He was at the top level of his sport and CricketRead More – Source

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