Bellamy talks up Bulldogs

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has put the pressure on the Canterbury Bulldogs by declaring the competition's hottest side as the team to beat for the NRL premiership this season.

Storm have been the premiership-elect for the majority of the season, but seven straight victories by the Bulldogs have seen Des Hasler's side firm into equal favourites for the 2012 title.

Both clubs are now tied at the top of the NRL ladder, but Bellamy believes the Bulldogs have done enough over the past two months to claim the tag as outright premiership favourites.

"They (the Bulldogs) are definitely the benchmark now," Bellamy said.

"Without a doubt. They are the form team of the competition.

"I wouldn't say by a mile, but they are a fair way ahead of anybody else on what they have done in the last six weeks."

Hasler has tried to play down the significance of the Bulldogs seven-game winning streak and still believes his old club, the Sea Eagles, are the benchmark side in the competition.

But Bellamy scoffed at that suggestion as the Bulldogs get ready for a marquee match-up with Manly on Friday night.

"I don’t think Des is really fooling anyone these days," Bellamy said.

"They have a big test this week against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale and we are all looking forward to that.

"If Des thinks the Bulldogs are still flying under the radar, it is like he is talking to someone who has been out of the country for a couple of months."

While the Bulldogs face a tough clash against the Sea Eagles on the weekend, Storm should enjoy an easier time against the bottom-placed Eels in Parramatta.

Bellamy said he won't be underestimating the Eels, especially with star full-back Billy Slater still out of the side.

Slater hasn't featured for Storm since he injured his knee while playing for Queensland in Origin II and Bellamy said he is becoming increasingly frustrated with the absence of the 29-year-old.

"Three weeks ago they (Storm's medical staff) told me he would be back for the Cowboys and then he would be back for Parramatta, so I have told them not to tell me when he is due back and just to tell me when he is back," Bellamy said.

"He is running okay, but our medical team seem to think it is better to leave it for another week.

"We are not going to take any chances.

"He has got a lot of footy ahead this year and certainly in years to come, so ... hopefully next week."