Exciting youngster Shaun Lane opens up on the team’s victory against the Eels in round 19 and the challenging task the Bulldogs face in round 20.
After a slow start last weekend, the Bulldogs kicked into gear to score 22 unanswered points in a second half blitz against the Eels.
There were plenty of positive signs to come from the second 40 for the Bulldogs, but Lane still believes the side has a fair way to go to be at their brilliant best.
“I still think we have a fair distance to reach our best,” Lane said.
“We struggled in the first half and we didn’t really hit our straps until the end of the second half where we piled on a few points, but we still blew a few good opportunities on the Eels line.”
This week the Bulldogs come up against a gritty, grinding rugby league team in the Cronulla Sharks.
The Sharks come into the round 20 fixture off the back of a golden point victory over the Canberra Raiders who now sit in eighth position on 22 points, alongside the Bulldogs.
It’s been two years since the Sharks have been in the top eight and for a side who have been through a lot in recent times, Lane believes their toughness is the cornerstone to their performances.
“They seem like a real tough team. They have always had that mentality over the last couple of years and after a poor start they have got a real roll on in recent weeks.
“It will be a test for our forward pack and with a similar grinding type of game plan, we need to out muscle them and hopefully get the right result.”
Lane has made a huge impact since his debut in round 14 against the Gold Coast Titans and with such a quality roster and outstanding forward pack, the message and role from
Coach Des Hasler is very simple for the rangy back-rower.
“Just do my best. Run hard, tackle hard and try and create opportunities with the time I do get.”
Don’t miss any of the action when the Bulldogs host the Cronulla Sharks at Belmore Sports Ground this Sunday.
