They’ve won six on the trot for the first time since 2006 – but Canterbury skipper Michael Ennis is hoping the Bulldogs can finally build some momentum towards the NRL finals.
The Bulldogs maintained the pressure on table toppers Melbourne with a 32-20 win over Wests Tigers on Friday night, but it is quite obvious a lofty ladder position is just the start for the blue and whites.
The recent run of good form has done nothing to ease the pressure to perform, rather, there is now an expectation that the Bulldogs can build towards an assault on the big one on the last Sunday in September.
Ennis said he claimed an interrupted schedule over the past few weeks had played a role in their first half display against the Tigers, when a mountain of dropped ball resulted in them going to the sheds trailing 10-4.
“It’s probably been a disjointed period for us,” Ennis said.
“We’ve sort of gone a long start to the season, then bye, a couple of games and then bye.
“We were probably just a bit over keen I think.
“Half time was probably the best thing for us. We got in there and did a lot of work and got back to basics and completed some footy.
“We got the result and at this time of year it’s just handy to pick up the points, but lot of work still to do.”
Standout fullback Ben Barba – who starred with a try and leading role in three other four-pointers – admitted the team was striving for perfection.
It’s why there was still some disappointment after Friday night’s performance.
“That’s what we want (perfection).
“It’s not good when you drop ball as much as we did against a side like Tigers.
“We were lucky enough our defence has been strong this year.”