KEVIN MOORE'S appointment as the next Bulldogs coach has been welcomed by the club's players, who were discussing the issue boarding the team bus to Mt Smart Stadium yesterday.

A week after Steve Folkes confirmed his 11-year stint would finish at the end of the season, the Bulldogs will today officially unveil Moore - his brother-in-law and long-time assistant - as coach for 2009 and beyond. The Bulldogs are due to hold a press conference in Sydney today to confirm Moore's appointment and the Herald understands players were discussing the news as they boarded the team bus at their Auckland hotel.

On the field it was evident the boys from Belmore had more than just a clash with the Warriors on their minds, but by full-time news of Moore's appointment had well and truly spread through the ranks and five-eighth Ben Roberts said he was happy with the decision.

"Kevin is a smart bloke and I suppose it is a good thing too that we all know him already," Roberts said. "He knows our strengths and weaknesses as good as anyone else and he will be able to help us work on our weaknesses."

While one current Bulldog was singing the praises of the soon-to-be coach, the club's former captain Steve Price also took the news with interest.

"I know Kev really well and so, obviously, do all the current players," said Price, the injured Warriors skipper. "This is his opportunity, I suppose, to coach the way he wants to coach.

"He's been under Folkesy for a long time so he will understand what does work, what doesn't and the areas the Bulldogs need to improve. He will be looking forward to it next year for sure."

Price, who was seen deep in conversation with Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri and club doctor Hugh Hazard at full-time, played alongside Moore at the beginning of his career at the club and always believed he was destined for the top job.

"You can't get much better than a Moore," Price said. "When you say the Bulldogs you think of the Moores straight away.

"I certainly think he's done his apprenticeship and it would have been a bit disappointing if he didn't get the job. He deserves it and I think he will do a good job."

It is understood Moore's appointment is for two or three years and former Bulldogs international Jim Dymock, who is Tonga's World Cup coach, will be confirmed as his assistant after securing a release from the Sharks.