But even the most staunch Bulldogs supporter - and that includes the now Orange CYMS captain-coach - can see what’s in front of the western Sydney powerhouse club in Sunday’s NRL grand final.

“I think I’m seeing it the same way most people are at the moment,” Sullivan said.

“It’s Souths’ year this season.”

Sullivan said the brute strength of the Burgess boys - Sam, George and Tom will all play in the decider - as well as the return of damaging backrower Ben Te’o ensures the ledger sways heavily in favour of those wearing the cardinal and myrtle.

But sheer strength alone won’t win South Sydney this year’s premiership.

“It’s probably the best I’ve seen them structurally,” Sullivan added.

“Everyone knows their place. They were a bit off earlier but with (halves’ Adam) Reynolds and (Luke) Keary now firing, their footy just seems more fluid. 

“And they’re physical in defence which is something the Dogs have been good at in the past.”

The three-time premiership winning mentor with CYMS in the Group 10 competition played 12 games with the Bulldogs throughout 2008 and 2009 after stints with the Northern Eagles and Cronulla in the NRL as well as a foray into the English Super League with the Warrington Wolves.

He then signed on with CYMS for the 2010 season.

And while Canterbury have formed just a small portion of his football career, he’s under no illusions how much the pointy end of the season means to the Bulldogs.

“The Dogs are a great semi-final and grand final team,” he said.

“They’re the underdogs and that’s a tag they’ll thrive off. They’ll love that mantle”

With Michael Ennis out with a broken foot, Sullivan believes a lot hinges on what coach Des Hasler does with his side’s hooking role.

The names Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye were thrown up as possible solutions by Sullivan, a former Bulldogs rake himself.

“James Graham is playing great footy too,” he added.

“Tim Lafai as well, but I’ll send some well wishes to (South Sydney assistant coach) Matty King too, he’s been doing a bit of work with Apisai Koroisau for the Rabbits this week.”