Canterbury is crediting self-belief for its unbeaten start to its first NRLW season.
The Bulldogs made it two wins in a row when they got past Wests Tigers 12-8 at Campbelltown Stadium on Thursday night.
The NRLW newcomers were reduced to 12 players for the final four minutes, when prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa was sin-binned after a push-and-shove with Tigers back-rower Montana Clifford.
The Bulldogs had already lost Moana Courtenay (groin) and five-eighth Ash Quinlan (eye) to injury to put extra pressure on their bench.
“We were lucky to score those early first tries and we just hung in there at the death,” Bulldogs lock Holli Wheeler told ABC Sport.
“We want to be a team that’s known for fighting hard and to show there’s a lot of heart behind the jersey.
“It’s a new team, new combinations, so it’s always going to be a bit rusty at the start of the season.”
Canterbury led 12-0 at the break after a burst of points late in the first half.
Bruising defence from both sides meant there were few scoring opportunities in the opening 20 minutes.
The fact Wests Tigers forward Jessikah Reeves did not return to the field after her HIA test was further proof of the physicality of the encounter.
The floodgates opened for the visitors, with two tries in three minutes.
The first was scored by former Tiger Ebony Prior from dummy-half and the second went to back-rower Alexis Tauaneai, who picked up a spilled ball and raced to the line.
It was another grind to start the second half before the home side snapped into action with two quick tries.
A sublime kick by halfback Losana Lutu was left to bounce by and Tigers centre Emily Bass picked up the scraps to score.
Tigers captain Kezie Apps then fired up with a 40-metre solo run after pushing off a couple of defenders.
Two missed sideline conversions from Lutu proved the difference on the scoreboard and, despite the hosts throwing everything at the Bulldogs over the final few minutes, they came up empty-handed.
The Bulldogs host St George Illawarra at Stadium Australia in round three, while the Tigers play Gold Coast at Leichhardt Oval.
AAP/ABC
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