Ciraldo adamant Bulldogs’ woes can be easily fixed

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Ciraldo adamant Bulldogs’ woes can be easily fixed

Coach Cameron Ciraldo insists Canterbury can arrest their decline before finals, despite their defence failing them in the last fortnight of the regular season.

The Bulldogs have been plunged into the possibility of an away elimination final against Manly, after dropping their last two matches.

The best defensive team in the competition over the opening 25 rounds of the season, the Bulldogs have conceded a combined 78 points to Manly and North Queensland.

It has also come as their mobile forward pack, for so long a strength this season, was rolled through by ******* Sea Eagles and Cowboys forwards.

Saturday night’s 44-6 loss to North Queensland was particularly poor, as the Bulldogs battled for field position and only had two play-the-****** on the Cowboys’ line all night.

But Ciraldo is adamant the Bulldogs’ issues have been their own doing, and they are capable or turning things around before Saturday’s elimination final.

“There are some simple fixes for us, but we have to do it,” Ciraldo said.

“We know what our system looks like and feels like if we get it right. And if we get it right next weekend, we give ourselves a chance to win.

“We have to get the possession right. We have to do a better job of winning field position.

“We completed at 60 per cent (against the Cowboys), no one gives themselves a chance when you do that.

“Certainly in semi-finals, if you do that in semi-finals, you won’t be there real long.”

Canterbury still hold some hope of hosting Manly next week, but will lose home-ground advantage if the Sea Eagles defeat Cronulla on Sunday.

There is at least some relief coming for the Bulldogs.

Matt Burton’s boot will be a welcome addition against Manly after the five-eighth missed Saturday’s loss, while Bronson Xerri and Josh Addo-Carr will also return.

The Bulldogs are also confident there are no concerns over Jacob Kiraz’s shoulder, after the winger appeared to be in pain late in the loss to the Cowboys.

“A lot of stuff we need to fix pretty quickly before next week,” Ciraldo said.

“There’s been some really good reminders in the past two weeks about what wins game and what puts you under pressure in games.

“But what’s done is done now. A new competition starts next week and we deserve to be there.”

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