Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has admitted his side were simply out-enthused by a desperate Wests Tigers outfit after their 28-14 defeat at CommBank Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Ciraldo was quick to credit the Tigers for their energy and commitment in torrential conditions.
"Credit to them firstly, I thought they were really good today," he said.
"Really committed, really energetic and beat us in those two areas convincingly.
"[They were] clearly more desperate than us."
MORE: Doueihi masterclass rains on Galvin parade in epic Wests Tigers upset
The Bulldogs, who came into the clash on the back of a dominant win over Manly, looked a shadow of the side that dismantled the Sea Eagles a week ago.
Handling errors and a lack of discipline proved costly as the Tigers charged to a 20-4 halftime lead and held firm in a gritty second-half display.
With expectations sky-high for Lachlan Galvin as he returned to play against his former club, Ciraldo conceded that the 20-year-old struggled to fire behind a forward pack that was being dominated.
"Not great conditions for a halfback when you’re behind a beaten forward pack," he said.
"I thought he tried hard but I don’t think any halves are going to do that well playing off half a second slower play-the-balls.
"Nothing much flusters him. He went out there and did his job today."
The match also brought concerns for Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, who was placed on report for a high-tackle on Tigers centre Taylan May.
Asked if he was worried about potentially facing suspension, Crichton was blunt.
"I tried to go as low as I could and he kind of slipped into it. I felt it straight away too, so I knew I was in trouble," he said.
Ciraldo was much less concerned, brushing the incident off as just an unfortunate part of the game.
"No, please," he said dismissively.
The loss leaves Canterbury searching for answers with just a handful of rounds remaining, while the Tigers moved further clear of the wooden spoon battle.