Des Hasler wants his Canterbury captain James Graham to maintain the rage as the Bulldogs seek to rediscover their bite.
The talismanic front rower will return from suspension against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night after sitting out the last four weeks in the wake of the fiery Good Friday clash with South Sydney.
Graham was sat down for the last four NRL rounds for his confrontation with referee Gerard Sutton and for making dangerous contact the legs of Rabbitohs kicker Adam Reynolds.
The incident led to questions about Graham's temperament.
However, instead of trying to calm his firebrand captain to avoid further stints on the sideline, Hasler said his passion was exactly what the side needed after slipping out of the top eight.
In his absence Canterbury have plummeted to 11th place, winning only one of four games, beating last-placed Manly but losing to St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers and North Queensland.
Asked on Thursday if Graham would now temper his playing style, Hasler said: "I hope not.
"James plays the game with a lot of passion and plays it hard.
"It's good to have someone of the quality of James in a leadership position back on the paddock."
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson said the form book could be thrown out the window and predicted the Bulldogs would be a different side with Graham in the lineup.
"He's a big influence on the way the Dogs have played over the last four years," he said.
"I'm sure they're happy to have him back. We need to make sure we defend the way we want to defend and nullify some of his strengths.
"He's their captain and he's been their emotional leader for quite a few years and they'll be a much better team (for his inclusion)."
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Bulldogs have proved themselves to be a second half team this year. They have scored 121 points in the second 40 minutes, the most of any team. By comparison, they have notched 50 in the opening stanza, the fewest of any team.
* The Bulldogs have been average at home this season with just two wins from four games, including a 24-point thrashing at the hands of the Tigers.
* The Roosters have won just four of nine this year but all of their losses have been by eight points or less.
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