Timely reality check fires up Bulldogs

Canterbury’s mobile forward pack has punched above its weight all season, but one of its most important leaders concedes they were “dominated” and felt responsible for the round 26 loss to Manly as they seek revenge in Sunday’s elimination final.

Max King has quickly emerged as Canterbury’s most reliable middle forward over his three years at the club, with the prop punching out huge minutes in a pack that was questioned in the pre-season for not having the size to match it with the top teams.

Those fears were quashed for the majority of the regular season, with the Bulldogs able to swarm in defence with their lighter forwards who also had the energy to punch holes through the middle late in games.

But the smaller pack was dismantled by Manly and North Queensland in the final two games of the season, with Matt Lodge, Taniela Paseka and Nathan Brown bullying them at Accor Stadium in round 26.

King hasn’t forgotten about that night and it’s clear the forwards have spoken about not letting it happen again when their season goes on the line against the Sea Eagles on Sunday.

“I think that’s something we’ve been proud of this year because there’s been so much talk about the forward pack (but we’ve done so well),” he said.

“We’ve done a really good job this year, but there have been a couple of games – one against the Roosters in Gosford, the Manly one and the Cowboys game – where I feel as a pack we got dominated.

“We played Manly the other week and they were so hungry and aggressive, and we walked off the field and knew we were outplayed.

“No one likes to finish the game and feel like you’re the reason that you lost, so we definitely took that personally. There were a lot of things on video that weren’t pretty, but we have to move on.

“Your pride gets a bit defeated after that, but this is semi-final football where anyone can win on the day, so we just have to make sure we start fast and don’t look back.”

While Manly’s middles laid the platform two weeks ago, it was Haumole Olakau’atu who “ran amok” on the right edge as the Sea Eagles cruised to a 34-22 win.

The towering Olakau’atu won his battle with Viliame Kikau on the edge, with the Fijian forward held to a season-low 37 running metres.

“He had a mad game and he’s a great player,” Kikau said.

“He’s a big dude. I thought I was big until I saw him.

“He ran amok in that game, so it’s back to training this week where I’ve watched a few clips. I’m looking forward to the challenge on Sunday.”

Olakau’atu was happy to hear the praise when told about it on Thursday, and he’s bracing for another colossal battle against one of the most destructive edge forwards in the world.

“The back-rower’s job is to get to the half and try to get to them all game, but for me, I do look at my opposition position as well,” he said.

“I try my best to study them hard in the week prior to the game, so it’s definitely something I have in the back of my mind.

“It’s something I challenge myself with each game, especially against a guy like Kikau who is one of the best back-rowers in the game.”