Enjoying a clear majority of possession, the Rosellas made the Bulldogs pay like no other team in the Newcastle Rugby League can.

While the loss has dented the Bulldogs pride, they could secure a finals berth with a win against Central Newcastle after next week’s competition bye.

“It was one of those days at Harker Oval. They just had too much of the ball and weight of numbers told against us,” Kurri coach Phil Williams said.

“In the first half they had 25 sets to our 14 and that was reflected in the 22-6 score at half-time.

“The possession rate was similar in the second half and so was the score. That’s what happens when you give Wests too much ball.

“It’s not the first time we have got a thumping at Harker Oval and it won’t be the last, but we are alive as far as the finals go with the Cessnock result going our way.

“We haven’t gone anywhere on the ladder, but our four and against took a bit of a hit.

“If we win against Centrals and Cessnock lose then we are into the finals. Otherwise it comes down to the last game at Cessnock.”

The Bulldogs are hoping that the fortnight off will be enough for Daniel French to recover from a knee injury.

“We’ll know more about the extent of the injury after he gets some treatment,” Williams said of French’s injury.

“Hopefully the fortnight off will see him able to get up for the next game against Centrals after the break.”