Bulldogs enforcer Ogden unfazed about reputations

Cameron Smith beware - you might be next.

Bulldogs backrower Ofahiki Ogden paid little heed to the age or reputation of one of the best hookers in the game when he nailed Robbie Farah at Campbelltown Stadium last weekend.

He faces another 30-something, former Test rake this weekend when the Dogs head to Melbourne to play the Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday.

The Ogden hit silenced the Wests Tigers sections of the crowd but caught everyone else's attention.

"I didn't miss him at all," Ogden told NRL.com.

"But it's just what I practise at training. I didn't set out to target Robbie in particular. It's just what happened on the field.

"It's a physical game and I think that's what I bring to the team."

Ogden was one of five new faces coach Dean Pay brought in for the round three tussle with the Tigers to arrest a 0-2 start to the Telstra Premiership season.

For the 22-year-old backrower, it meant a lot more than just trying to get the Bulldogs' first win of 2019.

He made his NRL debut the previous season, playing nine games, but was overlooked by Pay for rounds one and two.

"For me it is just about learning to play well each and every week and getting my fitness up," Ogden said.

"When I found out I was selected for the Tigers I was really excited. And I was ready.

"I'd had a good pre-season but in the trials I didn't play as best I could. But those two games in Canterbury Cup woke me up. And it was good for me to be there to learn a few lessons. It was humbling for me and I appreciated it."

His welcome return to the NRL coincided with a convincing 22-8 win over the Tigers. The tackle on Farah has made Ogden an instant cult hero.

But he'd rather be given some more minutes next time. He had 18 against the Tigers and would like a few more when he runs up against the Storm.

"I wanted to show that I was ready for first grade again," he said.

"When I got on the field I just wanted to run hard, tackle hard.

"The win not only gave me great confidence, it has lifted the whole team. Everyone is in a happy mood at the club and that will boost us for the Storm – and we will need it.

"It will be good to challenge ourselves this week. And they challenge you physically and mentally.

"I also try to do a little extra video on the team I'm playing. Storm has an  experienced group of forwards so I will search out a bit more on them.

"They also beat the Panthers pretty good last weekend so I will see where they were strongest."