NRL Sharks legend David Hatch questions Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs future

A former Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks skipper, Hatch led the Bulldogs to a first grade premiership in 2008, as well as the women's league tag title in 2014.

But 2019 marks the first year he hasn't been with the senior club in almost two decades.

And although he admitted he needed a break from the club, that wasn't the sole reason why he is isn't with the Bulldogs this Group Seven season.

"I decided to step away from the club at the end of 2018 as I was disappointed and didn't agree with all the decisions being made by the committee," Hatch, who played 183 first grade games for the Sharks, said.

"As sad as it is to see the club like this, especially with no first grade for the rest of the season, I think a lot of things that have happened were avoidable."

Hatch's statements follow former committee member and first grade player Adam Tracey's comments about the recent demise of the Dogs - which led to Group Seven approving the club's decision to withdraw from first grade for the rest of 2019.

"I feel really sorry for the club, as I'm sure they will lose a fair bit of support with no first grade side in the near future," Hatch said.

"As much as I hope they turn it around soon, they aren't going to until some serious changes are made at the club."

Hatch, who now spends more time with his family instead at the footy fields, is one of the number of high profile Bulldogs not at the kennel in 2019, including his daughter Cheyanne Hatch, who was the heart and soul of the women's program, Ebony Murray and Steine Lofts.

This quartet has been joined by former first grade coach Brenden Fernley and players such as Tyler Clark, PJ Thornton, Jayde Tooth, Lepani Waqa, Todd and Trent Ryan, Wade Walker and Oscar Fiztpatrick, as individuals to leave the club this season.

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