The Bulldogs prepare for their toughest test of the season against defending premiers Penrith, and rugby league pundit Braith Anasta has suggested the semi-final may not be as one-sided as many predict.
Penrith enter the clash chasing a fourth consecutive grand final appearance, while the Bulldogs are seeking to reach the preliminary finals for the first time since 2014.
The Bulldogs stunned Penrith in round 26 of the season with a 28-4 victory when the Panthers rested several stars.
Prior to that victory, they played in round 17 when Penrith had their star players and the Bulldogs lost 8-6 at Commbank Stadium in which the result came down to the last play of the game.
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“If Penrith hadn’t won four comps in a row and if you look at their form and the game against the Warriors, you’re giving the Bulldogs a red hot chance,” Anasta claimed on NRL360.
“They’re not (Penrith) going as well as they have been.”
“It’s just that we expect Penrith to take that next level…if you take that away, the Dogs are a red hot chance.”
Anasta also pointed to the Bulldogs’ ability to handle adversity, with injuries to key backs forcing reshuffles and optimism the halves can play well.
If Anasta’s prediction rings true, the Bulldogs would deliver one of the great modern finals upsets, and signal their return as a serious premiership contender under Ciraldo.