Not since the 2010 major semi-final final have the Bulldogs taken down the Lions on their home turf.

However, Bulldogs know they’ve got what it takes to get the better of City having done so at Orange this season with a 18-7 victory in atrocious conditions at Pride Park.

Now it’s all about replicating that performance at home when it’s needed most.

“I’m confident we can have a good showing against Orange City. It’s really the first of our grand finals,” Bulldogs co-coach Brian Roberson said.

“We’re not underestimating this game. It’s obviously going to be very difficult. We’re hungry, they're hungry and in semi-finals it’s a whole new game.

“They haven’t lost in Bathurst since 2010 so they’ve got that extra bit of confidence coming over here."

Roberson said while a strong start is always important, it becomes even more crucial when taking on the Lions.

“There’s a healthy rivalry there between two competitive teams. There’s a lot of good players in City, a lot of good players in Bulldogs and the rugby will be all the better for it,” he said.

“We need to start well and keep it up because if we don’t then City will roll us.

“City are strong across the paddock. They play an uptempo game, have a great lineout and are strong across the backs but we’ve got the men to contain that.”