Anthony Mundine's offer to Bulldogs after Trent Barrett resignation

An unlikely figure has thrown his hat into the ring for Canterbury's vacant head coaching job, raising eyebrows throughout the NRL world.

Anthony Mundine says he could work will with Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould as the club reels from the departure of coach Trent Barrett amid another forgettable start to the NRL season.

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Barrett stepped down from the job on Monday, with the Bulldogs boasting just two wins from the first 10 games despite picking up several big name recruits over the off-season.

With the Bulldogs facing an uncertain future, Mundine believes he's the man for the job.

In a seven-year career with St George Illawarra and the Brisbane Broncos, Mundine played 134 games and scoring 59 tries, as well as playing State of Origin in 1999.

While the enigmatic former player turned boxer would likely be considered a rank outsider to win the job, Mundine nonetheless believes a reset in belief and attitude is crucial to the Bulldogs regaining their status as an NRL powerhouse.

“I know the game, I’ve been playing since I was four," he told 7News.

“Obviously used to play State of Origin and whatnot, should have played for Australia but that’s another story.

“It’s mindset, that’s something I do bring.”

With the likes of Matt Burton potentially out the door one season after signing with the Bulldogs, whoever does take the coaching job will face a desperate fight to retain the talented five-eighth.

However the prospect of the powerful Gould's presence doesn't bother Mundine - with the former Dragon making a cheeky quip about his playing days.

“I can get along with Gus, he’s all good," Mundine said.

“I gave him nightmares in the ‘90s but if he doesn’t hold that against me, it’s all good.

“Rub a bit of Mundine flavour into the Gould flavour and we’ve got a championship team.”

Reaction to Mundine's offer was surprisingly mixed, with many in favour of 'The Man' helping the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs pain continues as Brent Naden jumps ship to NRL rivals

Mundine's coaching ambitions will be far from the minds of the Bulldogs this week, as the club prepares to take on Wests Tigers this weekend.

They'll be doing so without Brent Naden, who jumped ship to the Tigers this week and will, in a twist of fate, line up against Canterbury after he was immediately named to start for the Tigers.

The intriguing match-up may have an extra element with former Tigers coach Potter looking set to take over in a caretaker role with the Bulldogs for the remainder of the season.

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

The 58-year-old is currently coaching Bulldogs' feeder club Mounties in the NSW Cup.

Another candidate for the interim role was David Furner, but he has been listed in his current position as an assistant for Friday's game on the Bulldogs' team sheet, suggesting he won't be taking over.

Naden, part of Penrith's 2020 grand-final team, quickly followed Barrett out of Belmore having scored one try in eight appearances for the Bulldogs.

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.

With AAP

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