LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canterbury Bulldogs are bracing for the news that Stephen Crichton may be sidelined for the entire finals series due to an ankle or foot injury, while concerns are also mounting regarding Viliame Kikau's fitness.
After a challenging loss in Melbourne on Friday night, the Bulldogs returned to Sydney on Saturday feeling depleted, as they now prepare for a semi-final clash against either the New Zealand Warriors or Penrith Panthers next Saturday evening at Homebush.
Crichton is still waiting for the results of scans related to his injury, but it appears that he is unlikely to be available for any further matches in the finals. Even a minor syndesmosis or lisfranc injury could keep him out for at least three weeks, which would also jeopardize his participation in the upcoming Pacific Championships, where he was set to represent Samoa.
Adding to the Bulldogs' concerns is the health status of second-rower Viliame Kikau. Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald suggest that Kikau may have potentially fractured his eye socket. After returning to Sydney, he was spotted at the airport with a noticeably swollen eye.