The Bulldogs are worried that Parramatta will be allowed to get away with flopping tackles to control the play-the-ball, believing Eels coach Michael Hagan raised concerns about their 10-metre defensive gap as a ploy just to take the focus off the slowing tactic.

Early this week, Hagan called for "a fair go" with the 10m rule and contacted NRL referees boss Robert Finch about ensuring the distance was kept by whistleblower Shayne Hayne at Telstra Stadium tonight.

The Bulldogs instantly put on their conspiracy caps and questioned whether Hagan's concerns were a ruse to distract Hayne from the ruck area. The Eels have been penalised for just one in 36 flopping tackles this season, according to SportsData statistics, while the Bulldogs have been penalised on average once every 8.5 flops.

Finch said Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes had not specifically raised the flop issue with him this week. But club insiders are troubled by the possibility of a slow ruck area.

"I have spoken to both coaches this week," Finch said. "They have made us aware of of certain issues and we will look at those sorts of things, but it is business as usual.

"In most instances, the referees go into matches without preconceived ideas. We are aware of the ruck speed, the ruck and the 10m. But we will not be officiating any different to what we have done this season."

The Bulldogs forward pack, at full strength for the first time in nine weeks, will be desperate to outmuscle their opponents. Folkes called in his forwards after training at Belmore Oval on Friday to remind them of their crucial roles in the knockout semi-final.

Skipper Andrew Ryan said while the Parramatta backs had been given plenty of praise this year, their pack would provide a stern challenge.

"I think we need to improve again this week against a quality team who are coming off a great win and a real strong-attitude win over in Auckland [Warriors] last week," he said.

The return of Sonny Bill Williams from a one-match suspension has boosted the side's belief, Folkes said.

"I think it makes a difference to our confidence. Obviously, they need to go out and play well on the night. But as far as the other guys are concerned, it's a confidence boost to have all our best players on the paddock at the same time.

"Although the attitude was good last week and we trained quite well last week, and I think played accordingly, this week there's been a ramp-up in the intensity at training and just the focus, I think."

Meanwhile, the Dogs have re-signed winger Cameron Phelps for 2008.

"He has taken a pummelling this year but has given us good service, crossing the tryline seven times in his 11 games in first grade," Folkes said.

In other team news, Cowboys utility Justin Smith has agreed to a one-year extension at North Queensland. As reported in yesterday's Herald, Smith will play out the season before becoming a real-life cowboy by working on a ranch in the United States.