The Bulldogs centre Jamal Idris has dispelled talk he is too fat for first grade, making a triumphant return to the NRL in his side's 30-20 victory over Canberra on Sunday.

The 18-year-old centre was recalled for the round-seven tie after being dropped a month ago for an off-field indiscretion involving his teammate Ben Barba.

But at a pre-match training session, the teenage sensation was spotted shirtless and copped criticism for his reportedly flabby-looking 106kg frame.

Speaking after the match, Idris said he was unfazed by the disparaging remarks.

"People are going to say what they're going to say and I'm just happy to be back playing footy," he told reporters.

"I'm not even going to get into it really, my family's stuck close to me and that's it." He said he was training hard and was pleased with his on-field form against the Raiders.

"I was pretty happy with it, there is always things I can improve on, so see how we go, keep on improving hopefully," he said.

Meanwhile Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore hit out at the youngster's critics, saying the club was "thrilled" with their up-and-coming talent.

"It was pretty average the way it was written up ... this is where people need to focus on the positives," Moore said.

"He is a young kid, he's growing into his body still. In the last 18 months the improvement in his bench-pressing, his leg strength, squatting, in his skin folds, in all aspects of his physical performance have been absolutely fantastic."

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