The State of Origin period is here, and the Bulldogs face the Melbourne Storm this Friday night.
With key players absent, both teams will showcase young talent eager to prove themselves, as vital competition points are at stake.
Josh Curran returns to the extended bench, alongside Marcelo Montoya, while Jack Underhill remains on the interchange after a promising Round 11 debut.
With stars like Cameron Munster and Harry Grant engaged in Origin duties, the Storm has introduced Keagan Russell-Smith at five-eighth for only his second NRL match.
Trent Toelau will start at hooker, with Cooper Clarke stepping in at lock, while Alec MacDonald rejoins the bench and Gabriel Satrick makes his debut.
Despite injuries, the Blue and Whites are determined to display their resilient spirit this weekend.
Front rowers Leo Thompson and Josh King will lead the charge for their teams, compensating for absent regulars.
In his inaugural season with the Bulldogs, Thompson has embraced the starting front row role, boasting impressive stats with an average of 107 metres per game and notable tackle breaks.