Phil Gould has shared some “unfortunate” updates just ahead of Canterbury’s highly anticipated round one showdown with the Dragons, indicating that further changes to the team announced on Tuesday are likely due to injuries.
Head coach Cameron Ciraldo had already put together a depleted 23-man squad on Tuesday, with only two players from the club’s expected top line-up unavailable.
Prominent winger Jacob Kiraz is still out indefinitely due to injury, while forward Josh Curran will be unavailable for two matches after receiving a suspension.
However, less than a day after the squad announcement, Gould indicated that the Bulldogs could be compelled to make additional alterations before Saturday’s clash.
“Unfortunately, I suspect there will be some changes before the weekend,” he remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus.
Phil Gould on his weekly podcast. Nine
“We need to assess a few things later. There are a couple of injuries that aren’t included in this list. It’s unfortunate to have a few players missing, but this might open up opportunities for others.
“We had to seek approval for two players outside our top 30—Luke Smith and Jethro Rinakama—to be included in the 23-man squad we have named. We’re already beyond our top 30.
“By the time we reach game day, there could be even more absentees.”
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As it stands, the exact players who may miss out for the Bulldogs remain uncertain, although new signee Sitili Tupouniua has been struggling with an injury throughout the pre-season and did not participate in the trials.
Gould’s side will take on their longstanding rivals at a sold-out Kogarah Oval on Saturday evening.
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