Kyle Flanagan claims he has regained his confidence with Canterbury intent on keeping their free-flowing attacking style running through the season.

The Bulldogs delivered on coach Cameron Ciraldo's instructions not to die wondering in last week's win over Melbourne, playing with far more freedom than they did in round one against Manly.

Flanagan's right-edge in particular fired with winger Jacob Kiraz bagging a double and centre Jake Averillo scoring another in the 14-point rout.

Flanagan's rough start to his career has been well publicised with the 24-year-old halfback having already gone through more than most do in their whole careers.

He was released from the Sydney Roosters following one season as Cooper Cronk's successor and then dropped by the Bulldogs in 2021 after being bought as their long-term half.

But Flanagan says he's a new man this year, having moved out of home with his partner and thriving under rookie Canterbury coach Ciraldo.

"I definitely feel really confident in my own game," Flanagan said.

"I am in a good place mentally. I'm just really enjoying my football and it's starting to show on the field.

"I don't want to get ahead of myself too early but I am really enjoying myself and am in a good space off the field.

"I am really enjoying coming into training and working with Cam."

Flanagan does not like to look back on the difficult days of his career but did say they had made his positive pre-season more worthwhile.

"Obviously you go through the rugby league rollercoaster, you have those times," he said.

"But it makes the good times much smoother."

Canterbury are, however, well aware that one win over Melbourne does not mean all is fixed.

The likes of coach Ciraldo, captain Reed Mahoney and second-rower Viliame Kikau have all arrived from winning cultures built on sustained success, with victory at Belmore on Sunday against the battling Wests Tigers crucial.

Canterbury are also aware their attack is far from a finish product, with eight new faces in their team from last year as they push to stick to their up-tempo style.

"I just am going out there to have a free-flowing game and play footy like when I was a young kid," Flanagan said.

"It's just playing on the ball and playing every play.

"We're still working on combinations and working everyone out. But at the moment we're playing real free-flowing footy and I'm really enjoying my time."