Brisbane has kept the Bulldogs scoreless for the first time in nearly two years, leaving the Broncos in a share of top spot and 'Dogs captain Steve Price scratching his head to work out how his side came away empty-handed.

The Broncos produced a relentless and committed display which hinted at the upcoming representative season, fending off waves of Bulldogs' attacks at Telstra Stadium on their way to a 24-0 victory.

It was the first time since June 2001 - 720 days and 48 games ago - that the Bulldogs had been held scoreless.

That night they lost 32-0 to Canberra at the nearby Sydney Showground, but Price admitted they played terribly.

"There was a fair difference to that two years ago," Price said.

"That was against Canberra. We were terrible that night, absolutely terrible. I don't think we were terrible tonight.

"They defended better than I have seen them defend this year tonight and I have seen a few of their games. I don't know how they stopped us but they did."

They did it by getting numbers to the tackle and dominating in defence.

Only six days ago Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes warned the game was placing more emphasis on defence - and his words came back to haunt him.

"I don't know whether I have kept a side to zero, especially a side as good as that," Brisbane captain Gorden Tallis admitted.

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