If St George Illawarra can do it, there’s no reason we can’t.

That’s the message from under-pressure Canterbury coach Des Hasler heading into his side’s crunch NRL clash with the Red V at ANZ Stadium on Monday.

The Bulldogs’ fan base is in uproar in the wake of last week’s thumping by Penrith and Hasler’s failure to appear at a post-game members’ forum.

However Hasler insists there is light at the end of the tunnel and delivered a plea to the club’s disgruntled ticket holders to stick solid, promising a turnaround was not far off and they were still capable of a top-eight finish.

He pointed to the fickle nature of rugby league and the fact the Dragons and their coach Paul McGregor came into the year under intense scrutiny and playing for their futures.

After 13 rounds the Dragons are in the top four while McGregor last week earned a two-year contract extension.

“St George, they’re playing great football,” Hasler said.

“This Canterbury team knows what they’re capable of. We know we’re capable of finals football.

“We just have to get out there now and get it done.”

Hasler explained his no-show at the post-game fan forum by saying he got stuck at ANZ Stadium attending to reports and other commitments.

He will this week appear a function to address fans and said he treated those commitments with the utmost seriousness.

“I understand fans are very passionate, particularly the Canterbury Bulldogs,” Hasler said.

“But stick with this side, stick with these boys. They know what’s required and we’ll turn it around.”