Winger Sam Perrett has played down the effects a short turnaround as Canterbury prepare to host the Warriors in an NRL “home” match in Wellington.

The Bulldogs face the Warriors on Saturday night, having beaten the Storm 18-12 in Melbourne on Monday night.

While the impact of five-day turnarounds in the NRL have been a topic of debate, Perrett was philosophical about the Bulldogs’ schedule this week.

“It’s been tough, but we’ve got some pretty awesome staff here and they’ve made sure we’re well rested,” he said on Thursday.

“We’re just doing some light sessions now and I think we’re on track.”

The Bulldogs go into the match with a 4-2 record the season, which has them fifth on the table, but just two points behind leaders Brisbane.

They have had plenty of success at Westpac Stadium, where their five appearances there against the Warriors have produced four wins and a draw.

The 21-Test Kiwi is one of five New Zealand-born players in the Bulldogs’ 18-man squad, along with younger brother Lloyd Perrett who on an expanded five-man bench, and he expects they will have plenty of support.

“We’ve got family coming down by the busload,” said Perrett, who is originally from Auckland.

“I know I have 40-odd people coming down just from my family alone.”

What they won’t see is a match-up between Perrett and fellow Kiwis winger Manu Vatuvei, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Perrett is among those disappointed Vatuvei won’t be on the field.

“I love playing against Manu – he’s a really good mate of mine,” he said.

“He’s a champion player. He always makes me pick up my game.”

Vatuvei’s replacement is David Fusitu’a, who will make his first NRL appearance of the year.