Canterbury-Bankstown will be without one of their biggest names this week, with Viliame Kikau sidelined by a skin infection that required hospital treatment.
The powerhouse second-rower, usually a guaranteed starter, has been undergoing medical care over the past few days and will not feature in Thursday's Round 26 clash against the Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium.
His absence is a major blow for the Bulldogs as they prepare for one of their sternest tests of the season.
Head coach Cameron Ciraldo has confirmed Kikau's unavailability, while also revealing that young winger Harry Hayes will miss up to six weeks with a hamstring strain picked up against Melbourne last weekend. The reshuffle means Connor Tracey shifts to fullback, with Jacob Kiraz and Marcelo Montoya taking the wing spots.
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Stephen Crichton, who will captain the side, lines up in the centres with Bronson Xerri, while Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin retain their halves partnership. In the pack, Josh Curran comes into the back row alongside Jacob Preston, with Jaeman Salmon set at lock.
On the bench, Ciraldo has called upon Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Reed Mahoney, giving the Bulldogs depth but leaving a glaring gap in Kikau's usual impact role.
With club legends from the 1970s and '80s set to be honoured at Accor Stadium on Thursday night, the Bulldogs will be desperate to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion - but they'll have to do it without their talismanic forward.