DWZ, Meaney ready to wing it after two-year fullback duel

For two years they've taken turns at trying to cement Canterbury's No.1 jersey but first-round wingers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Nick Meaney are now flat-out just looking remain in their best 17.

The recruitment of Corey Allan has temporarily solved the Bulldogs' fullback woes but long-term, the future arrival of Josh Addo-Carr will only add to a sudden selection dilemma in the backline.

Nick Cotric's switch to the centres has given both Watene-Zelezniak and Meaney some immediate relief as both look to push their case to remain in the backline, at least in the short-term and into the future.

Along with veteran Will Hopoate, who has also been another to rotate in the fullback role, Meaney is without a deal beyond this season, while Watene-Zelezniak is tied to the Bulldogs until the end of 2022 but can begin negotiating with rival clubs from November.

"You just want to be in 17 at this stage of the year so I'm happy to try and fulfil that and play as many games as possible," Meaney told NRL.com.

"I've just got to play good in the games that I do play. Baz [Trent Barrett] rang me when he first signed here and we talked a little bit but he just wants me to focus on footy."

Meaney pointed out more video sessions that have made the days go longer were the main difference since Barrett took charge in November.

"We're all are still getting used to getting in here at 7.30 and not leaving until 4 o'clock in the afternoon," Meaney said.

"We do a lot of video and team meetings between players and staff so we're all on the same page and I think the intensity has gone up a level because of that.

"Every coach has a different theory but in the end you can do as much video as you want but if you don't do the job on the field it defeats the purpose.

"You've just got to buy into the methods and hope 30 of your teammates do as well."

For Watene-Zelezniak, who captained New Zealand from fullback in 2018-19, he's just determined to turn his own form around after labelling his efforts last season as the worst he's ever felt.

When asked if the change in his own form had coincided with his arrival to Belmore, the Bulldogs winger quickly dismissed the suggestion.

"I've been around long enough to know where my body needs to be at so the environment I'm in shouldn't matter," Watene-Zelezniak said.

"Footy can be pretty simple most of the time but you can also overcomplicate it in your head.

"I've lost a bit of weight, that was part of my troubles last year … I blew out a bit and my fitness wasn't there. 

"I just knew I was a lot better than what I was producing."

Expectations are high leading into their season opener against the Knights in Newcastle and for Meaney, who will line up against his former club, it's the first chance at being able to repay Barrett's faith.

The Bulldogs haven't lost at McDonald Jones Stadium in their past five outings and Meaney knows first-hand the side's ability to cause an upset in the Hunter.

"I remember when I was playing for the Knights and I was also close to signing with the Bulldogs, they put 20 on us when we were expected to win," he said.

"We've got a good record up there, it hasn't seemed to bother us travelling up there in the past."