The Bulldogs will head into Sunday’s sudden-death semi-final against Penrith without captain Stephen Crichton, who has been officially ruled out after failing a late fitness test.
Crichton’s chances always looked slim after leaving last week’s clash with Melbourne in a moon boot, but his omission was confirmed following Saturday’s captain’s run.
The skipper had been named in the reserves in the hope of a late recovery, but his season is now over.
Burton shifts as Xerri returns
With Crichton sidelined, Matt Burton will slot into the centres, while Lachlan Galvin takes the No.6 jersey alongside Toby Sexton in the halves. Bronson Xerri returns from concussion to bolster the backline, and Reed Mahoney has been recalled from the bench to add experience and spark.
On the other side, Penrith have kept hooker Mitch Kenny in their reserves as he races to overcome a hamstring injury. If he does not prove his fitness, Luke Sommerton and Brad Schneider will again share dummy-half duties.
Daine Laurie also remains in the squad, while four-time premiership forward Moses Leota is set to mark his 200th NRL appearance.
The absence of Crichton is a hammer blow for the Bulldogs’ chances, but they will look to ride the energy of a home crowd at Accor Stadium as they aim to upset the reigning premiers.