LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canterbury Bulldogs are poised to gain a significant advantage as the 2025 NRL Finals series approaches, with winger Jacob Kiraz likely to make an early return to action.
Initially sidelined due to a foot injury, Kiraz was expected to be out until at least the third week of the finals. However, captain Stephen Crichton has indicated that Kiraz is on course to play against the Melbourne Storm this week.
"He should be alright," Crichton stated in an interview with Zero Tackle during the 2025 NRL Finals launch.
"He's 50/50 right now. He has got a whole week of training that he's got to get through, but hopefully he passes all his training and gets to come in and play.
"He gives a lot of boys confidence in everything that we do, and hopefully he gets the all clear to come in and play."
In the event that Kiraz cannot return, the Bulldogs will rely on either rookie Jethro Rinakama or the departing Blake Wilson to step into the backline.
This news comes at a critical juncture for the Bulldogs, who will also be missing winger Marcelo Montoya for at least a week following a minor ankle injury he sustained on Saturday night against the Cronulla Sharks.