Bulldogs' break won't be a holiday - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Bulldogs' break won't be a holiday

By Ed Jackson 14/09/2009 04:01:19 PM Comments (0)

Their week off started with a trip to the beach but Bulldogs players expecting a vacation over the next few days are in for a shock.

Monday's session for the NRL club certainly had a holiday feel to it, as the Dogs hit the beach for a quick swim and some cricket.

But Bulldogs centre Josh Morris said the players were aware that no game this weekend didn't mean a free pass over the next few days.

"It's always good to get a fun day like this in and break it up from training but we'll be on tomorrow and start lifting the intensity again," Morris told AAP.

"You can't rest. Obviously some sides have had that week off and come in a bit underdone, their intensity hasn't been up and they've been found out.

"That's something we've got to watch."

Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore has made it his aim to ensure the players are refreshed but not too relaxed by the time they have to get back onto the field.

"I'm sure we want to handle things pretty much the same," Moore said of his preparations.

"I'm not a big believer in having a few days off and getting away from footy at this time of the year. I think you've got to keep your momentum and your timing.

"That's the plan that we're going to have."

Saturday's qualifying final win over Newcastle means the blue and whites have a welcome chance to rest weary bodies before a preliminary final against either Parramatta or the Gold Coast next week.

The biggest beneficiary will surely be halfback Brett Kimmorley, as his recovery from a broken cheekbone suffered against the Warriors in round 25 continues.

That injury forced Kimmorley to sit out the win over the Knights, but Moore expects the playmaker to be back in the line-up for the preliminary final.

"Obviously without a key playmaker on the weekend we had to play a certain style of footy," Moore said.

"I thought we did that really good and as a result we've earned that week off. It's great for Noddy, for his preparation for the next game as well."

Moore will put the halfback's physical fitness to the test with an opposed contact session later in the week, but said he had no qualms about Kimmorley's mindset despite him suffering such a serious injury.

"I don't think gun-shy is in his terminology, mate," he said.

"He's never been that sort of player, so when he steps on the field he'll be 100 per cent ready for them."

NRL rookie of the year Jamal Idris will also use the week off to repair his body after suffering a medial ligament strain during the win over the Knights.

But Moore said the knock wouldn't stop the teenager continuing his stellar season.

"I think it's only a grade one and he would have been right to play this week," Moore said.

"The brace on it is just to facilitate the healing process."

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