After Canterbury waded through a number of on and off field issues last year, fullback Sam Perrett says a drama-less start to 2014 is fuelling the Bulldogs' top-of-the-table success.
Canterbury sit alone atop the NRL ladder after nine rounds on the back of six successive wins.
After their grand final appearance of 2012, this time last year the Bulldogs had limped to mid table notching up four wins as they were swamped by drama.
James Graham was suspended for gnawing on Billy Slater's ear in the decider, Krisnan Inu had joined him on the sidelines after a series of dangerous tackles, Sam Kasiano was out injured and rumours swirled around the future of Ben Barba both on and off the field.
This season though it has been plain sailing at Belmore and Perrett says that has been key to the Dogs' turnaround.
"Last year there was a heap of things that contributed to how we were performing then, it is so different now," Perrett said at training on Thursday.
"Now off the field things have been smooth.
"Last year there were some tragedies, some losses in a few of the families in the team, there were injuries, a couple of other distractions, a bit of bad media, and some of the fans weren't too happy.
"We are not dealing with any of that at the moment."
"Now it is quite the opposite, it has been a part of our consistency and why the boys are so happy, and how we are going."
After their stunning surge to the grand final in 2012, Canterbury struggled for consistency throughout last year before bowing out to Newcastle in the first week of the finals.
This year coach Des Hasler has again moulded Canterbury into a very formidable football side.
On Sunday they face the Warriors in a home game they have taken to Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.
"Every team in the comp is trying to get to the top of the ladder and for it to happen early is really good," Perrett said.
"In saying that though we have to really keep our feet on the ground, it is early days we have to keep our focus.
"The Warriors with what has happened recently (coach Matt Elliott was sacked) we know they are going to be focused, they are going to be a tough team this week."
Share
