Stimson ready to help lead Bulldogs out of NRL doldrums after making NRL return

But the Temora product doesn't feel the NRL's rule changes designed to speed up matches isn't putting players' safety at risk.

An 18^th man, which will be activated if three players are ruled out through concussion on a team, will be introduced in round five after a huge injury toll across the NRL on the weekend.

Having played 51 games in the successful Melbourne system as a hole-running back rower, Stimson plays in the middle off the bench for the Bulldogs.

Stimson played his first NRL game in just over a year in the 24-0 loss to the Broncos, with his first season since moving to Belmore from Melbourne limited to just two games due to shoulder surgery.

"You could notice the difference in how fatigued you are if you give away a six again late in the set," he said.

"The middles can really get a lot of momentum, and trying to get it back is harder now with that fatigue factor.

"I think to be honest it was just a freak week (last week's injuries). The rules have been there for a year now and everyone has trained in pre season for those rules.

"I don't think anyone was underdone by it, it's probably just an unlucky week.

"To say I was nervous (against Brisbane) is an understatement, it was like I was on debut again really."

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Canterbury is also searching for confidence before the annual Good Friday clash with an in-form South Sydney.

The Bulldogs are winless after three rounds and have been kept scoreless in their last two games in coach Trent Barrett's first year in charge.

But Stimson had nothing but praise for his fellow Temora native, and how he's handling a tough initiation at the club.

"It's been very different going from a team (Storm) that's used to winning most weeks, to a young team finding its feet," he said.

"But the way Trent's held everyone accountable, I can't give him enough raps.

"It's all well and good to lead a team that's winning, but a good judge of character is when someone's on the back foot losing games. He's shown those leadership qualities.

"You do review and we're so close. We probably left five tries out there against the Broncos, where we let ourselves down with skill stuff or the last pass.

"The positive is that can be fixed, the structures are there."

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