Connor Tracey has vowed there will be no repeat of last week's "shortcuts" as Canterbury seek to secure a home elimination final after almost a decade out of the top eight.
It has been a whirlwind season for the finals-bound Bulldogs, who just three years ago picked up the wooden spoon amid the club's worst finals drought since the 1950s.
If Canterbury defeat North Queensland on Saturday, they will earn hosting rights in week one of the club's first finals campaign since 2016.
If the Bulldogs lose, they will still finish sixth and host an elimination final if Cronulla win against Manly on Sunday afternoon.
Home-ground advantage looms as a potent advantage for the Dogs, who were undefeated at home this season until last week's 32-22 loss to Manly at Accor Stadium.
"I feel like we just took some shortcuts, which we don't normally do," Tracey said.
"This week is just about getting back to competing."
Reed Mahoney lamented how the Bulldogs didn't have the right attitude against the Sea Eagles, but added it would be "an easy mindset shift" in the final round of the regular season.
Tracey is confident Canterbury, who have one of the worst away records (4-8) of any top-eight team, can win at any venue in finals.
"We'll play wherever," the fullback said.
"To get that home final and have our fans behind us, that would be a pretty big one."
The enforced omission of superstar kicker Matt Burton (concussion) and centre Bronson Xerri (suspension) is a blow for Canterbury, who have only won two of their past eight games against the Cowboys.
However, the return of captain Stephen Crichton from a one-match ban will be a much-needed boost heading into finals.
"He's a big leader for us, the connection he brings on the field is just like something you can't really get from other players," young prop Samuel Hughes said.
"He's just a really good player."
Tracey is expecting utility Drew Hutchison to get the call-up from coach Cameron Ciraldo in the absence of Burton, who failed his HIA during last week's loss to Manly.
"We're pretty lucky, we got some good depth in our squad, Drew Hutchison has been killing it in reserve grade and he'll come in," he said.
"I'm looking forward to playing with him and we'll be right."
