Bulldogs coach Des Hasler says he’s wary of the challenges posed by the Cronulla Sharks ahead of tonight’s clash at ANZ Stadium.
With eight wins from their last eight starts, Hasler believes the Sharks will be out for a confrontational clash and that his side need be ready for it.
“I think they’ve got a really good mix,” said HAsler.
“They’ve got some really great go-forward and they’ve got some traits where one of the difficulties is to combat their second-phase.
“They’ve got some individuals who can play some second-phase footy and offloads like Fifita and Gallen.
The Bulldogs coach also commended the work done by Wade Graham and the rest of the Sharks pack, highlighting how they have laid the platform for the Sharks’ momentum in 2016.
“I think their forwards are giving them a really good platform and on the back of that, the experience out wide and speed are cashing in on that.
“I think Wade Graham really has been an unsung hero, not to his team mates but I think he’s been in great form and he’s a very big reason for where they’re at at the moment.
Hasler outlined that the probable inclement weather would play a part and that both sides will need to focus on ball control.
“It’ll be a really difficult game I think. The conditions will play a part in it as well and I think it’s going to be a tight game.
“I think the kicking game is really, really important given the amount of weather we’ve had and ANZ’s (Stadium) pretty notorious for those sorts of conditions.
Hasler was his ever jovial self, stating that his side will go into the match as underdogs and will need to manage the Sharks threat.
“You’ve just got to manage it the best you can (the Sharks).
“The Sharks will always have the upper-hand, they’re on top of the competition.”
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