Bulldogs' bite loosening, says Raiders coach Furner
CANBERRA coach David Furner reckons Canterbury's air of invincibility might have taken on a knock in the aftermath of their past two NRL clashes - and it could be perfect timing.
While still posting victories, the Bulldogs' impressive winning streak has looked at its most vulnerable in the past fortnight in matches against Brisbane and particularly last week's golden point triumph over Wests Tigers.
Furner can sniff an end to their lauded run should all things align on Friday night for the desperate Raiders.
They're still sitting just outside the eight on points differential with two rounds to go.
Asked if he'd taken any lessons out of the Dogs' past two matches, which nevertheless extended their streak out to 12, Furner replied: "Certainly have. There's some areas there we won't discuss, but it's just about limiting the opportunities they have with the ball."
Assistant coach Justin Morgan earlier in the week rated Canterbury as "gettable" - but Furner also agreed it would take the Raiders' very best football to bring the ladder leaders down.
A solid 80 minute-showing still eludes the Raiders deep into their topsy-turvy season.
"We were a little guilty last week there of turning over some cheap possessions, not kicking out or kicking out on the full," Furner said.
"Those little glitches in our game we've got to get out to beat this side."
The Bulldogs, who arrived in the nation's capital on Thursday, are close to full-strength, with coach Des Hasler naming an unchanged line-up from their 23-22 win over the Tigers.
Canberra is set to turn on a wet and miserable Friday night for the visitors, which captain David Shillington believes can only be to the Raiders' advantage.
"They won't be able to throw the ball as much, and their forwards love to pass," he said.
"If their forwards have to lock it up and just stick to going forward, hopefully we can beat then in the middle there and if we get our wrestle on that'll slow them down a lot."
The inclusion of prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs will be a timely boost to the Raiders' forward pack, having recovered from a hamstring injury.
Source: Herald Sun
Topic: #Bulldogs Air of Invincibility Waring Off Say Raiders
