Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore admitted his team could not ignore the ongoing 14-man controversy but tried to play down its influence when his side arrived at the tourist strip yesterday.

The Bulldogs are seeking a reduced penalty after the NRL's decision to strip the club of two competition points for having 14 men on the field when they snatched victory from Penrith last Saturday.

But Searle was convinced the Bulldogs would run out at Skilled Park determined to vent their frustration.

''I think they will come up here pretty fired up to be honest,'' Searle said.

''The Dogs have always been a club that has internally been very strong. They are strong willed and minded, so losing the two points will fire them up.

''I expect that they will be fiery.

''Kevvie Moore is a rookie coach but he certainly knows how to get his boys up so it will be an interesting game for us.''

When he was asked about the 14-man controversy, Moore said, ''Obviously it's there''.

''I wouldn't say it's been a distraction. It's been a bit of a disappointment.

''But as a club we accept what happened last week and we're going to go through the process of the league to try to ensure we don't have those two points taken off us.''

Meanwhile, Moore said he expected Titans co-captain Scott Prince (hamstring) to play. Prince will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness but Preston Campbell is ready to take over at No7.