Bulldogs unfazed by lack of momentum

It’s the little slice of history which is raising big questions about Canterbury’s NRL title push but Des Hasler is unfazed by his side’s lack of momentum.

The Bulldogs are desperate to flick the switch in their final round clash against South Sydney on Friday night after two straight losses.

In the 109-year history of the competition, no side has ever lost their last three regular season matches and won the premiership, according to an analysis conducted by Fox Sports Stats.

While the 1966 Balmain side lost their last three straight and went on to make the grand final, they fell at the last hurdle against a St George side on their way to an 11th straight title.

“Momentum is important. This game is about getting the little things right,” Hasler said.

“(Their mistakes) have been pretty fundamental and we need to correct that.

“It’s not frustrating but it’s a critical part that we need to fix, particularly against quality sides.”

While the Dogs will have to buck history if they lose to the Rabbitohs, if there’s one man who can spark his side to life, it’s Hasler – a noted September specialist.

In 2014, the Bulldogs lost six of their last eight including their last two before they went on a final run and met the Rabbitohs in the grand final.

Hasler also took Manly to the 2007 grand final after they lost two of their last three regular season games.

What is more of a concern for Hasler is the side’s error rate, poor ball control and other simple errors which have cruelled them over the last month.

He described South Sydney, who have won their last three after a forgettable season, as capable of springing an ambush and motivated to ruffle a few feathers before their season is over.

“They’re pretty mobile, they’ve got some handy players in there so I imagine their motivation is to finish the season on a high,” Hasler said.

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