Bulldogs stand-in skipper Aidan Tolman admits he is frustrated with the amount of time teammate Josh Reynolds is spending on the sideline due to suspension.
Reynolds will miss this week's trip to Townsville after taking an early guilty plea on a tripping charge from last weekend's City-Country fixture.
It is the second time this year the 26-year-old will be out of NRL action due to his own ill-discipline, having also copped a two-game ban in March for a dangerous throw.
"It is frustrating because we definitely want him on the field. He knows that," Tolman told AAP.
"I think he's missed more games this year than he's played. It's disappointing in that regard, but that's footy sometimes."
The incumbent New South Wales five-eighth has copped heavy fire from all rugby league quarters for his poor performance against Country, but Tolman believes Reynolds' aggressive style has made him an easy target for critics.
He also missed two matches for tripping Ben Barba in a clash against the Broncos last season.
"Obviously he knows that that's something in his game that he's done a few times now," Tolman said.
"But in saying that, a lot of other players do things like that. You look at another incident in the game and players don't get bagged as much as Josh does.
"I think it is unfair.
"I feel for Josh. He's such a lovely guy and he's like James [Graham]. You want him in your side because you know what he's going to bring.
"He mightn't do the best play every time, but you know he's always going to be there. That's what I love about him and that's why I want him in my team every week."
Another suspended Bulldog, club captain James Graham, will return for the side's clash with the Roosters the following week.
"The amount of work that he gets through and his leadership on the field, no one in our team can bring that," Tolman said.
"We definitely miss him. He's our best forward in my opinion. Having him back next week will be great.
"I'm sure he'll bring plenty of energy and that leadership that he adds. That competitiveness got him into trouble, but that's what we love.
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