Dogs ready to bark as one

AAP | 12/04/09 | 0

Veteran fullback Luke Patten says the Bulldogs are ready to finally click again ahead of Monday's NRL blockbuster with ladder leaders and ANZ Stadium co-tenants South Sydney.
   
In a bumper Easter Monday match up, the Bulldogs and Bunnies will clash in front of an expected strong crowd as both sides have started 2009 in fine form with three wins from four games.
   
Patten says despite the winning start he doesn't think the Bulldogs have hit full stride since their round one upset of Manly, but the time is right for them to regain the form to threaten early bolters South Sydney.
   
"It was tough after that round one win over Manly, everything clicked that night and it's been a little bit patchy for us since," said Patten.
   
"We're definitely working hard on it and (coach Kevin Moore) has always said it would probably take us six weeks to gel and I would like to think we're getting there.
   
"We just have to make less errors I think. That is the thing that is hurting us most.
   
"Our defence is really good. Being at the back I get a bird's eye view of it and I think our defence, especially our on-line defence, has been great and that's something we take confidence out of."
   
The Rabbitohs have been among the most impressive teams to start the year with last week's win over the Warriors in Auckland their second come-from-behind win in a row.
   
Patten says his side are well aware of Souths ability to return from the dead in matches, they did so in beating the Bulldogs 34-30 last year, but is confident is side is well-equipped to handle Souths this time around.
   
"They're playing some good footy but we're confident we can knock them off," said Patten.
   
"If we can control the footy then we're confident against anyone.
   
"It's disappointing there has been a couple of times where we have made errors and let someone back in the game.
   
"We're definitely not going into the game fearing them or anything. We've got just as much to throw at them."

We just have to make less errors I think. That is the thing that is hurting us most. Luke Patten, Bulldogs fullback