Canterbury have suffered a devastating blow ahead of the NRL grand final, with captain Michael Ennis set to be ruled out of the decider against South Sydney with fractures in his foot.
Ennis failed to come back for the second half of Saturday night's 18-12 preliminary final win over Penrith, and has been diagnosed with two minor fractures of his left foot.
The Bulldogs say they will do everything to get their skipper on the field next Sunday, but it's not the kind of injury that can be easily placated with needles.
Ennis went for scans first thing on Sunday morning and the club admits he faces an "uphill battle" to play.
"The club's medical staff will work overtime with Michael to give him every chance of playing next week in the grand final, but the early indications are that he is facing an uphill battle to play," the Bulldogs said in a statement.
Canterbury may consider switching five-eighth Josh Reynolds to hooker to cover for Ennis.
Reynolds has acted as a back-up half for NSW and filled the role after Ennis' departure against the Panthers at ANZ Stadium.
If Reynolds is named at No.9 by Dogs coach Des Hasler, rookie Moses Mbye could partner Blues State of Origin halfback Trent Hodkinson in the halves.
Mbye has slotted into a playmaking role for Canterbury this season, when Reynolds and Hodkinson were away on interstate duty.
Josh Jackson and Tony Williams have also filled in, in the halves at various times throughout the season.
If Ennis is ruled out of the decider, he will have played his last game for Canterbury.
The 30-year-old will move to Cronulla next season on a two-year-deal.
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