The Bulldogs were down 18-6 early in the second half but on the back of their forwards were able to claw their way back into the game and record their fifth win in a row.

“It was a danger game for us. Coming off the back of the high we had been on we couldn’t afford to drop off in intensity against Centrals, who have some quality players,” Bulldogs coach Phil Williams said.

“Centrals turned up and took it right up to us. I was pleased that the players were able to get back to the basics and grind out a win.”

The Bulldogs are now fifth on the ladder after Wests defeated Cessnock 30-16.

Kurri face Wests on Sunday at Harker Oval, and Williams will be calling on an 80-minute performance from his team to beat the Rosellas.

“There are good signs for us, we had to dig deep to get back into the game. It was a slog but it was a game we could have easily dropped,” Williams said.

“Mitch Cullen was able to control the tempo with his kicking games on the back of the forwards efforts.

“Brock Gilmour and Mick Campton were our best, Corey Holman was very good again and Brodie Hammond, Ben Wyborn and Cameron Moran all had good games.

“We’ve been able to ride on the back of atmosphere at home over the past few weeks.

“We had to build our own momentum and the last 20 minutes we won the game in the middle.