LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Canterbury Bulldogs are facing the challenge of covering for injuries to key players Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau, who both sustained knee injuries in a recent game.
Burton is expected to be out for two to four weeks, while Kikau could be sidelined for three to six.
The Bulldogs are confident in their ability to fill the gap left by the absence of these two creative attacking players.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo is turning to Bailey Hayward and Sitili Tupouniua to step up in the halves and left edge, respectively.
However, they are not expected to mimic Burton and Kikau's playing style, but rather play to their own strengths.
Jaeman Salmon emphasized that the team has faith in the replacements, stating, "Whoever is covering them won't try and play like them or be them.
They'll just play to their abilities, do what they do well.
We have full confidence in them." The Bulldogs have a game plan in place and are focused on executing it with the new lineup, without expecting the replacements to do more than their usual roles.
Canterbury is optimistic that Hayward and Tupouniua will rise to the occasion and contribute effectively to the team's performance in the upcoming games, starting with the clash against Parramatta.