Kieran Foran is expected to make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury in next Saturday's clash with South Sydney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Foran hasn't played for the Bulldogs since round 15, having turned out in just 10 games for Canterbury this season.
However, after battling ongoing hamstring injuries, Foran is now confident he will be fit to return for the Bulldogs' final month of the season.
And while all hope is gone of Canterbury making the top eight, coach Dean Pay said he wouldn't hold Foran back from returning.
"I think it's important if he's 100 per cent fit to play him," Pay said.
"He's craving, he works so hard with his recovery and rehab he wants to get back and play.
"I'm not going to stand in his way. He's a quality player and is going to help our young blokes.
"We're hopeful, very hopeful."
Foran has played just 22 of a possible 44 games for Canterbury since arriving at the club last season.
But the Bulldogs are now at least performing without him.
They have won four of their past six, with Saturday night's 18-16 win over the Wests Tigers despite having just 43 per cent of the ball.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has made a marked difference at fullback since moving from Penrith, while Jack Cogger continues to impress at five-eighth.
"The young boys are getting better," Pay said.
"Jack was good again, Lachlan (Lewis) was good, Jeremy Marshall-King was good.
"We're getting a little bit of consistency in our spine."
Australian Associated Press
