Target Matt Utai at your peril.

That was the warning from Bulldogs skipper Andrew Ryan after his NRL premiership team received a welcome boost before Sunday's clash against Wests Tigers.

As the Bulldogs were buoyed by news that superstar Sonny Bill Williams could re-sign with Canterbury by next week, Ryan came out to bat for his under siege winger Utai.

Just as they did in their 2004 upset semi-final win over Canterbury, the North Queensland Cowboys successfully peppered the diminutive winger with kicks on their way to a 24-12 upset last Friday at Townsville.

The loss was a reality check for the Bulldogs who had begun their premiership defence with an overwhelming 46-28 victory over the Dragons.

But Ryan expected New Zealand international Utai to bounce back in style this weekend despite coming up against the likes of scheming Tigers halves Scott Prince and Benji Marshall.

"It was only his second game back and he was a bit out of condition," Ryan said of Utai's last round performance.

"I am sure he will be better for the run. He will be in for a big performance this week as we all will be.

"He is a great player and he has shown on every level that he is a strong competitor - hopefully he can be damaging for us this week."

The Bulldogs have received some timely good news with Williams expected to put pen to paper as soon as next week if the club can match the terms and conditions outlined by his managers.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP