Sam Perrett will sit out Canterbury's elimination final in week one of the NRL playoffs as he continues to battle a neck injury.
New Zealand international Perrett hasn't played since round 23 due to a virus that is affecting the nerves in his neck.
The retiring Bulldogs outside back told Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show he will miss the Bulldogs' sudden-death clash with Penrith next weekend.
"Things are on the up but I won't be playing this week. Hopefully the boys can hold on until the week after," he said.
Unless the Dogs do make it through to week two of the playoffs, Perrett will have played his final game in a career that has spanned 13 years and over 250 games.
Perrett's absence will hit the Dogs even harder if they are drawn to play the Panthers on the Sunday. Fullback Will Hopoate is unlikely to play in a game on the Sabbath due to his religious beliefs.
However Canterbury will welcome back interchange forward Sam Kasiano from suspension next week.
The Bulldogs have lost three straight games heading into the finals.
"The guys need to get a bit more fun, enjoyment and passion in what we are doing," Perrett said.
"If we can get that buzz back it will be a huge thing."
