Trent Hodkinson's season-ending wrist injury will be offset somewhat by the likely return of Josh Reynolds for Canterbury's finals assault.
The Bulldogs confirmed on Sunday afternoon Hodkinson won't play again this season due to a wrist injury suffered in Saturday's win over Newcastle. It means the NSW halfback has played his last game for the Dogs after committing to the Knights for next year.
Reynolds last played against Cronulla in round 20, when he hurt his knee.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler's decision on who of Hodkinson, Reynolds and Moses Mbye would play in the halves during the finals was to be one of the season's biggest selection headaches.
But that decision has now been made for him.
The loss of Hodkinson comes a week after Bulldogs rake Michael Lichaa was also ruled out for the remainder of the year due to an ankle injury.
Hodkinson will undergo surgery because of the dislocation of a bone in his wrist, the Bulldogs said.
Mbye took control of the Bulldogs against the Knights after Hodkinson's injury.
However, Hasler said there were areas that the third-year playmaker could improve on for next Sunday's clash with the Warriors.
"He'll probably be a little bit disappointed that his kicking game at the end of the sets there, the options on it," Hasler said.
"He can work on that. We've got time to work on that."
Veteran winger Sam Perrett was confident Mbye could direct the team as a lone playmaker.
"It's not going to be easy. You always want as much firepower out there as you can and your halves are a key role," he said.
"If not, between (Josh Jackson) filling in there today and Moey, I think we can still do some decent damage."
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