LEADING Bulldogs players are convinced they will arrive at Brookvale Oval on Monday night facing a far more committed and dangerous Sea Eagles outfit than the one they flogged in the opening round of the premiership.

When Manly travelled to ANZ Stadium on March 14, the premiers were reeling from the events of their disastrous season launch a week earlier.

The new-look Bulldogs took advantage of Manly’s fragile state, thrashing the 2008 champions 34-12 on a thunderous, wet night.

It set the scene for a terrible start for the Sea Eagles which has only just been resurrected with five wins from their past six games.

It’s this current period of successful football which has convinced the Belmore-based club Des Hasler’s men have turned the corner and are ready to defend their mantle.

“I’ve been watching them the last few weeks and they are certainly finding their groove at the moment,” Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan said.

“Certainly over at Brookie, it’s going to be a challenge for us.

“This is one of the bigger ones (of the season) and it will be good to give us a bit of a gauge to see how we’re going.”

Bulldogs half Brett Kimmorley agreed with his leader, believing Manly have recovered from their slow start.

“They are back,” the experienced former-Northern Eagle said.

“The quality of players they have got is the key.

“Any club who go to the World Club Challenge normally struggles to come back and start the year well.

“They’re dangerous because they’ve got that confidence back in their football team.”

Manly prop Josh Perry said their round one defeat to the Bulldogs is in the back of their minds.

“We’ve been waiting for this one since then,” he said.

“It’s going to be won up front and we are keen to get out there.”

Kick-off is 7pm.