Career Record for Featherstone
Appearances			Tries	Goals	Drop Goals	Points
Total	Start	Sub
199	199	0	62	15	0	216

Sharlston nursery half-back product Carl Dooler joined Rovers in October 1960 and ironically he was later to oust another famous Sharlston product, Don Fox, from the scrum-half position. Carl made a confident debut in December 1960 and although he only made five appearances that season, his opening two tries against Wakefield in April 1961 showed his undoubted potential.

As understudy to Don Fox, his senior appearances were again limited in 1961/62 but he gained experience and his first medal with the victorious 'A' team who the league championship. In September 1962, with only 16 senior appearances to his name, he was thrust into the limelight with his selection for Yorkshire. Don Fox, the first choice, was injured, his deputy Keith Holliday's wife was ill, and the selectors took a gamble with this nineteen year old youngster. He took his chance in fine style, his display against Cumberland being described as 'exuberance and tenacity', and he was retained for the next game against Lancashire. Rovers now had a problem with two outstanding players competing for the number 7 slot. The situation was resolved a year later in September 1963, when Fox moved successfully into the loose forward position.

Dooler was now able to burst forth and fully develop his talents at scrum-half to fulfil that early promise. He reigned supreme until 1968, establishing himself as one of Rovers best scrum-halves. The 1965/66 season was a mixture. He set off in scintillating form, scoring four tries in an amazing 20-13 win at Widnes in October, and producing a brilliant display against Wakefield in the following week. However, in November he stayed away from training in protest against the club selling star forwards Ramshaw and Fox. Fortunately, he resumed in January and continued in the same vein of superlative form which earned him selection for the 1966 Tour of Australasia. There he played 15 matches and scored 5 tries. He was substitute in the Second Test v New Zealand at Auckland and only the outstanding Tony Bishop prevented him from making his international debut.

There were more changing fortunes in the 1966/67 season. He gained further selection for Yorkshire against Cumberland and Lancashire in September and helped Rovers through to the Yorkshire Cup final v Hull KR in October. His controversial dismissal in that game by referee Baker for alleged tripping caused uproar and certainly contributed to Rovers' defeat. He was later found not guilty by the RL Disciplinary Committee, which came as little comfort. The biggest prize came at the end of the season with the Rovers' victory at Wembley by 17 points to 12.  Dooler's drop goal before half time, and his break for Smales to score the decisive try, crowned an impressive display which earned him the Lance Todd Trophy as Man of the Match.

Scoring a try in Yorkshire's 15-14 win over the Australian touring team in October 1967, was indicative of his continued excellent form, but then in December in another dispute with the club he was transfer-listed at a record £5,000. After playing at Oldham on24 August 1968, he stayed away. He was transferred to Hull KR in January 1969 for £6,500. As a scrum-half at Featherstone he was exemplary. His whole-hearted enthusiasm, his superb service and breaks from the scrum, his industry in both defence and attack were all in the best traditions of Sharlston's famous scrum-halves who included Jonty Parkin, Herbert Goodfellow and Don Fox.

 

Biography by Ron Bailey