After a horror start saw them kick out on the full and leak a try within the opening two minutes, Cronulla were the better team for much of the 80 minutes at Belmore Sports Ground.
Of main concern for the Bulldogs will be the Round 1 availability of major off-season recruit Viliame Kikau, who failed a HIA in the first half after making a dream start to his Bulldogs career with a try on his first touch.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo likely still has questions over who his fullback will be for Round 1 too, after a mixed showing from Hayze Perham.
Despite the loss, Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney said they got a lot right at the start and the effort was really good.
“It was just a few minor things, defending last play and our kick selection on last play, we put ourselves in a position where we had to defend too much,” he said.
“There are plenty of learnings for us … I don’t think the score really outlined it.”
Canterbury is now preparing to kick off their NRL campaign on Saturday, March 4, travelling to face Manly at 4 Pines Park from 3pm.
