NRL: Bulldogs fullback careful not to underestimate rivals

Sam Perrett of the Bulldogs fends off the tackle of South Sydney's Jason Clark during the teams' round seven NRL match. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury continued the charm offensive yesterday, claiming injury-hit Manly would be as dangerous as ever in tomorrow night's sudden-death NRL semifinal at Allianz Stadium.

With rival coaches and long-time friends Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey engaged in pre-match mind games and predictably declaring the opposition favourites, Bulldogs fullback Sam Perrett was happy to play along.

Perrett said the Sea Eagles would relish being in a backs-to-the-wall position without a raft of key forwards, including suspended NSW State of Origin star Anthony Watmough, who on Tuesday accepted a one-match ban for a dangerous throw.

"He's obviously one of their experienced and very talented players, so that's a bonus for us and a downer for them," Perrett said.

"But we're never going to underestimate them with the depth they have with their playing roster.

"So we've got to prepare like it's the best side they've got. It's do or die - and Manly, we've had some pretty epic battles over the last couple of years and I'm not expecting anything different."

Twice a losing grand finalist, Perrett is desperate to finally go all the way in 2014 and warned his Bulldogs teammates to brace for an early onslaught from the Sea Eagles.

"When everyone's against you, you can't help but get fired up and just do your best," he said.

"Just from my own experience with our team in the past, when people start writing you off, you kind of gather closer together and get that strength from within each other. That's what I'm expecting from them."

Manly winger Peta Hiku said the Sea Eagles were "real down" after last week's hammering at the hands of South Sydney and admitted losing Watmough to injury hadn't exactly lifted morale.

But he challenged the Sea Eagles forwards to rise to the finals occasion against a Canterbury pack that out-muscled Melbourne's on Sunday.

"The Bulldogs, coming off a win, will be tough for our middles," Hiku said.

"We need a few boys to step up and just fill in Anthony's shoes and come out strong."

Hiku is hoping Manly will receive a massive boost today if hooker Matt Ballin passes a fitness test.

The winners will tackle Penrith in the grand final qualifier.

- AAP