Schoupp played a key role in last week's 16-12 upset win over the Roosters by containing Joey Manu, who generated just 40 metres from five runs. Conversely, the young centre ran for over 100m and made 13 tackles.

The performance continues a solid patch of form for the Thirroul Butchers junior since returning to the starting side. The 20-year-old - who is in his second season in the NRL after debuting last May - has strengthened Canterbury's left edge and is forming an impressive combination with star recruit Josh Addo-Carr.

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Next up for Schoupp is a battle with Canberra captain Jarrod Croker, who will make his first NRL appearance in 2022 following stem-cell surgery on his knee last October. It adds to an already major day for the struggling Raiders, with Friday marking the club's Old Boys' Day and 40-year celebrations.

"Last week's win gave us some good confidence. The last couple of weeks we've been in all of the games, but haven't been able to close them out. And while it will be a big occasion for the Raiders, our club hasn't gone back-to-back in the past three years so if we can do that, it will be massive for us. Our next four games are winnable I reckon," Schoupp told the Mercury.

"The last couple of weeks have been good for myself. I started the year in reserve grade, so when I came back into first grade I just wanted to grab it with both hands and not go back down.

''Joey (Manu) is a quality centre, he's probably one of the best centres in first grade, so going up against that type of player is only going to make my game better.

''And whatever I can do for the team, I'll do it. I just want to be one of those players on the team that everyone can rely on. If I can win my personal battles with my opposite number, it will go a long way to helping the team win."

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The Bulldogs' season record now stands at 2-6, with the side above last-placed Newcastle but only behind three teams on for and against - including Canberra. However, there is an air of positivity around Belmore after taking down one of the competition's front-runners.

Central to that good feeling is Addo-Carr, who co-captained the side last week in the absence of Josh Jackson. The NSW State of Origin speedster relished the opportunity, scoring a double, and Schoupp - who has now made 17 NRL appearances - says Addo-Carr's presence around the club has been huge.

"He's been pretty massive for the club, Josh sort of leads that camaraderie within the club. For me, the last couple of weeks I've joined him on the left edge and I think we're building a nice combination for us going ahead for the rest of the year," Schoupp said.

"Walking into recovery on Monday had a different vibe around the club, everyone was buzzing. Winning is a contagious feeling, so we'll keep trying to keep that going for sure."

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