The Bulldogs face slim chances, yet they are hopeful for a finals surprise after delivering their most impressive offensive display this season, effectively sealing the Dragons' fate for the wooden spoon.
On Saturday night, the Bulldogs achieved a significant 44-14 victory over the Red V, keeping their slim hopes alive for a top-eight spot, thanks to strategic moves made by coach Cameron Ciraldo at Allianz Stadium.
Following this win, they sit just two points shy of the Cowboys and Rabbitohs, who currently hold the last two spots in the top eight, with only two rounds remaining.
For Canterbury, the path is clear: they need to defeat Penrith and Brisbane and count on the teams above them to falter during the crucial final matches.
Unpredictability defines the league, and Ciraldo might have discovered an effective attacking strategy by shifting Matt Burton to right center and placing Bronson Xerri on his favored left edge.
Though it could be too late in the season, the changes proved beneficial, with Xerri scoring first and Burton netting two tries before halftime.
Xerri then made a significant run to assist Lachlan Galvin in scoring, following his earlier contributions in the first half.
This performance showcased their best attacking prowess of the year, and the Bulldogs also maintained strong defensive efforts, repeatedly thwarting the Dragons, who posed a threat with some early advances.