Their effort could rarely be questioned, but Canterbury's attacking woes continued last season.
The Bulldogs mustered just 49 tries - one more than last-placed Brisbane - as they narrowly avoided the wooden spoon.
But with a new coach in Trent Barrett, who was credited with helping spark Penrith's offence in their stunning run to the minor premiership, and a promising halfback recruit in former Rooster Kyle Flanagan, perhaps the tide is about to change.
One thing Canterbury must improve is capitalising on six-again calls given the rule is set to have an even bigger influence in 2021 with referees able to restart the tackle count for 10-metre offside infringements as well as ruck indiscretions.
The blue-and-whites managed seven tries following ruck infringements in the first year of the six-again rule. Only the Titans and Broncos (4) had less.
A lack of depth or uncertainty in key playmaking positions hasn't helped the Bulldogs' cause, so Flanagan's arrival to wear the No.7 jersey shapes as a major positive for a side needing direction.
The Panthers played an attractive, confident brand of football with Barrett as assistant coach and now Canterbury will hope he can unlock some effective ad-lib play at Belmore.
