Bulldogs stalwart Paul Langmack says his former club will win the NRL premiership as a reward for making a successful return to their roots as the family club.

As the crescendo builds towards Friday night's sudden-death preliminary final between arch rivals the Bulldogs and Parramatta, Langmack has no doubt the Belmore-based club will come out trumps.

Langmack, who won three premierships with Canterbury in the 1980s, credits coach Kevin Moore for the stark turnaround in the Bulldogs' fortunes, from wooden-spooners to title contenders.

The first-year coach is the son of former Bulldogs CEO Peter "Bullfrog" Moore, who is credited with reshaping the Canterbury club for the success it enjoyed throughout the 1980s.

"Kevie's done a great job at the Bulldogs. If you close your eyes, it's his old man talking, Peter - he's even starting to look like the Bullfrog," he said.

"It's a great achievement for the club from where they've come from.

"Last year they were just dreadful and that's the fabric of the club, you stick together and gel.

"In the 80s, that's what it was, the family club.

"You're so lucky to play for Canterbury. People say what's so special about it, you can't explain it unless you've been there.

"Bullfrog must be looking down very proud."

Langmack said Friday night's do-or-die clash will flood him with fond memories from his 17-year career.

"There's (50-odd) thousand tickets already sold and it's only Tuesday," he said.

"It's good for the game, it brings back tribalism in the game and that's what it's all about.

"If you were a fan of Canterbury or Parramatta and you were 10 or 20 years of age in the 80s, you just can't wait for this game because you remember all of the good things of your life.

"It's like when songs come on that you loved when you're growing up, it makes you feel good.

"This football game is making rugby league feel good."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP