Believe the hype. The Bulldogs are premiership contenders.

Canterbury have continued their excellent start to the season with a 20-6 win over the Sharks in a match where Bronson Xerri scored two tries against his former club.

Cronulla No.7 Nicho Hynes could barely get into the game as Sharks centre Kayal Iro came off early with a hamstring injury.

There could be dramas for the Bulldogs though,with hooker Reed Mahoney put on report twice.

The Bulldogs remain at the top of the NRL ladder with four wins from as many starts. It’s been nine years since they’ve been there at any point in a season.

This was their first win in the Shire in 14 years. And they did it without Kikau and Burton. A big win that could certainly galvanise the group heading into matches against the Knights and Souths either side of a bye.

The home side is going to need two tries plus some to have any chance of stealing victory from the jaws of defeat.

The Bulldogs have been clinical and are on the cusp of four straight wins for the first time to start a season in 32 years. Their 90 per cent completion rate tonight is top shelf. Ciraldo doing a fine job.

Sharks 6-20 Bulldogs after 74 minutes

What about the leg drive!

Bronson Xerri is a man on a mission as he ploughs into the Sharks’ defensive line and somehow finds his way over the line. Bags a double against his former club. Brute strength there.

And a little index finger to the lips to shush the locals.

It could be goodnight for the Sharks.

Sharks 6-20 Bulldogs after 64 minutes

There is a bit of a melee on the ground,started by a late shot from Reed Mahoney on Daniel Atkinson​.

It’s only a penalty but that could cause a headache for Canterbury at the judiciary early next week.

The Dogs need to keep their cool but tension is simmering at the moment. Both sides want this win badly.

Sharks 6-14 Bulldogs after 55 minutes

They’re in again.

Mahoney looks left but goes right. The ball ends up in Crichton’s hands and he does the rest. Sharp stuff.

Fortunately for the Dogs,Crichton’s conversion is over. That’ll get his confidence up.

What do the Sharks have here? They’re down by more than a converted try,so will need to conjure a response.

Sharks 6-14 Bulldogs after 47 minutes

According to Fox Sports’ James Hooper,Sharks centre Kayal Iro has injured his hamstring and won’t feature for the rest of the match.

The Sharks are down to 15 men,with Siosifa Talakai​ failing his HIA.

Sharks 6-8 Bulldogs after 45 minutes