Bulldogs skipper Andrew Ryan says the week off will work in his team's favour. Photo / Getty Images
Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan says there is no danger of his side going into next weekend's NRL preliminary final against Parramatta or the Gold Coast underdone.
The last time the Blue and Whites had a week off during the finals was in 2006, when they suffered a second-half collapse against
Brisbane.
However, Ryan, who played in that game when the Bulldogs relinquished a 20-6 halftime lead to lose 37-20 to the eventual grand final winners, said there would be no danger of a repeat performance this year.
"We have a different squad now and it was a different time," Ryan said.
"We have a couple of niggles we have to rest so the week off will work in our favour.
"I am sure the coaching staff will not let us go in underdone, we have an opposed session later in the week against the NSW Cup team which will be a good gauge for us."
Coach Kevin Moore said the session was largely for the benefit of returning halfback Brett Kimmorley, but also to ensure his players did not lose their intensity at the stage of the season where they needed it most.
"The boys will have a couple of days off then train like we are going to play this weekend, where we will have a closed session which will be good with Noddy coming back."
Moore also said one of his biggest tests was ensuring his players did not pick up any injuries during these sessions.
"It's a fine line, you need to take risks from time to time, physical contact is important at this time of year, you just have got to be a bit smart about it."
Yesterday was the first time Kimmorley had trained since fracturing his cheekbone against the Warriors in round 25 and Moore said his key playmaker was in good shape.
- AAP
