They are considered the handbrake in Canterbury’s charge to an NRL premiership title – but Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has already proved you don’t need experienced halves to go all the way.

Bulldogs playmakers Kris Keating and Josh Reynolds will go into Friday night’s qualifying final against Manly without a finals game under their belts.

Critics point to their inexperience as a key reason for why Canterbury can’t win it all in 2012 – despite the pair guiding the club to the minor premiership.

Hasler admits his side is something of an unknown quantity heading into the finals – with strike weapon Ben Barba also playing his first final.

“Sometimes that can be advantageous, sometime it can be a disadvantage as well,” Hasler said of finals experience.

“We haven’t focussed too much on it other than the fact the Manly side are very experienced at these types of games and the situations that arise and the type of game it is.

“Finals games are a wonderful experience and it’s a time where these young players can gain that experience.”

But those who question the Bulldogs’ inexperienced halves forget Hasler worked with similarly youthful halves at the Sea Eagles last year.

Heading to the 2011 finals – Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran had played two finals games and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans was making his finals debut.

Yet they became the youngest halves combination to win a competition in 30 years.

Hasler said he wasn’t surprised with the composure Foran and Cherry-Evans showed in guiding the Sea Eagles to the 2011 title.

“They worked hard, but it doesn’t surprise me,” Hasler said.

“They’re two class players, two outstanding young individuals.”