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Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson was prepared to back Trent Barrett before his exit this week, with Mick Potter now in the hot seat at the battling NRL club.

Canterbury captain Josh Jackson isn't fearful of more teammates following coach Trent Barrett out the door, instead sensationally targeting a finals berth for the battling NRL club.

Two-time Bulldogs premiership player Mick Potter has taken over at the 2-8 club for the rest of the season after Barrett's resignation on Monday.

Potter watched on at Wednesday's session as the Bulldogs navigated more distractions, with stars Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr and Luke Thompson among six absent with the flu and in doubt for Friday's clash with Wests Tigers.

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

Their attack has flopped though, averaging fewer than 10 points per game in the first 10 rounds, an unwanted feat not matched since the South Queensland Crushers' struggles in 1996.

Jackson said he was "devastated" for Barrett, labelling him the most well-rounded coach of his 10-year career.

He rejected criticism of the club's culture, pointing to four losses of 10 points or less as proof they "don't have to change too much", despite occupying last place on the ladder.

"We've got plenty more footy to be played and we're sitting three wins outside the top eight," Jackson said.

"We haven't given up on the season at all, we're still pushing for finals footy."

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

"Not really," Jackson said when asked if he feared more sudden walk-outs.

"We've got two choices. We can use that as an excuse for poor performances or rally together and go out there and win."

Jackson said he had been preparing to front the Bulldogs' board and vouch for Barrett, insisting the players felt responsible for the predicament.

"That's totally true, he's a fantastic coach and he certainly has the full support of us and for me, he's been fantastic for me," he said.

"He's a brilliant coach, the most well-rounded coach I've had.

"We owe it to Trent and our supporters .... (to) go out there and win."

Jackson said Potter, who coached the Tigers in 2013 and 2014 without reaching finals, had barely got his feet under the desk.

"He's come in late this week, he'll sit back and let the assistants do their thing, chime in where he can and take over the reins next week," he said.

"He's a fantastic addition ... and brings an outside perspective too which is important."

Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould said Potter's experience and "genuine legend" status at Belmore would be crucial before they looked for a permanent replacement.

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.