The Bulldogs overcame a five-player COVID outbreak and an overnight hospital stay for Jacob Preston to keep their season alive with a commanding 44-14 victory over St George Illawarra.
Five Canterbury players reported with COVID on Monday, forcing several members of the squad to spend time away from training during a disrupted preparation for Saturday night's must-win clash at Allianz Stadium.
Halfback Lachlan Galvin was not among those affected but revealed several teammates had battled illness throughout the week.
"A lot of the boys were sick, but the way they played tonight, you wouldn't have known," Galvin said.
"A few of them had a few days off training... I don't think it was that disruptive at all.
"We all trained really well this week and were lucky enough to come in and put in a good performance."
Preston's availability was also clouded after the back-rower developed an infection in his elbow and required an overnight stay in hospital.
"He had an infection in his elbow," Galvin said.
"I think a couple of boys have had it this year when it comes to boils and infections. He was in there for a night and came out the other day."
Preston recovered in time to take his place and produced a crucial performance, scoring Canterbury's third try before combining with Galvin to help send Connor Tracey over late in the contest.
His performance came amid continued discussion surrounding his future, with Canterbury pressing ahead with negotiations to retain the back-rower.
Galvin said he had avoided questioning Preston about his contract situation but made his feelings clear about the importance of keeping him at Belmore.
"He's a gun," Galvin said.
"I love playing with Presto and that's his business, so I don't really ask him much about that. But I love playing alongside him. He makes me look good."
The Bulldogs raced to a 24-0 halftime lead before completing a seven-try victory, with Matt Burton scoring twice and Galvin finishing with a try and two try assists.
The result leaves Canterbury ninth on the ladder and two points outside the top eight with matches against Penrith and Brisbane remaining.
The Bulldogs defeated the Panthers 32-16 earlier this season, but Galvin said their previous result would count for little when the sides meet again on Friday night.
"That's a fair while ago," Galvin said.
"We'll do our video, look at their weaknesses and strengths and prepare for them like we prepare for every team.
"If we can bring our best again next week, we know we can go toe-to-toe with any team. When we're at our best, we can beat anyone in the competition."
Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz said Canterbury would resist looking beyond the immediate challenge despite the precarious state of their finals campaign.
"We're not worried about the next two weeks; we'll worry about next weekend," Kiraz said.
"Penrith are a top team and we've just got to get our mindset right. It starts with training on Monday."