Canterbury face an outside-back crisis for next Sunday’s elimination NRL final with Will Hopoate and Sam Perrett set to be unavailable for selection.
Hopoate has so far declined to play on Sundays this season due to his religious beliefs, while Perrett is not due back from a neck injury until week two of the finals should Canterbury progress.
Rookie winger Reimis Smith is out with a broken leg, while likely replacement option Tyrone Phillips only recently returned from injury in the NSW Cup.
Despite both teams being based in western Sydney, the match will bizarrely be played in the eastern suburbs at Allianz Stadium due to scheduling clashes with the AFL.
Penrith clinched sixth spot and a home final from the Bulldogs following their thrashing of Manly on Sunday night, however Panthers coach Anthony Griffin wasn’t too fussed by the venue.
Asked if he had any input in the location of the match, he said: “We’d be playing here if I did. I got told this morning that the NRL won’t allow a playoff here and that Allianz was our only option.
“It’s a semi-final. To be honest, I don’t really care where we play.
“Obviously first choice would’ve been to play here but the rules or the policy don’t allow us to do that. We’ve just got to be play where we told.”
Canterbury will at least welcome back Sam Kasiano from the suspension he received for kicking Broncos skipper Corey Parker in the mouth.
The Bulldogs enter the match on a three-game losing streak, however Griffin, whose side have now won five on the trot and six of their past seven, said the Bulldogs remain a tough proposition.
“(They are) experienced, big, used to playing semi-finals, used to winning. They’ll be very hard to beat,” he said.
A mouth-watering local derby between Brisbane and Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium is the first elimination final and will be played on Friday night.
Canberra will host Cronulla in the first qualifying final on Saturday evening, though the Raiders are likely to again be without Blake Austin.
Minor premiers Melbourne meet defending premiers North Queensland at AAMI Park later that night.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
SA It's a case of people making personal decisions,that happens in a free society.We need to get used to it.Regardless of the issue social ,religious or political. I don't make judgements on people's personal views.You bagged him and others ,that's your choice.The Dogs were aware of his position,we should be bagging them if anyone. In fact Morris at full back is a better choice in the full back position.He needs plenty of space to wind up,and in full flight is hard to stop.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
This isn't really a bad thing for the Dogs Bmoz is a much better option.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Rugby league's religious right are in full force on this issue... You can just imagine their prayers: "Idolatry be cursed, It is the Steeden that we worship, Oh Holy Leather. Forgive us our sins, we pass the ball to you Forward or not, forgive us our night on the binge Let us sign on the dotted line A premiership awaits oh Lord A Golden Statue for our callers."
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Agree some people won't tolerate intolerance on other issues,yet they then do a flip flop because of a player's religious beliefs(whether one believes or not). I dare say there is less chance of this guy and other players with strong religious views ,having the integrity unit banging on their doors ,due to dog acts , socialising with criminal elements, or sniffing the white stuff or harassing some poor girl in a club or pub. I'll back anyone with the courage , who sticks to their convictions,whether it be social,business or religious .Easy to be a critic.
Lucas
Guest
There is a problem if he is hurting his club and team. He is not a good role model for any person looking to play a team sport.
Bob
Guest
Wow, a lot of intolerance on this post. Nothing wrong with a bloke sticking with his beliefs, regardless of whether we agree with it or not. Probably a lot of young, religious footballers out there looking up to this guy.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Ah, the power of judgement by the rugby league faithful.
AGO74
Guest
According to the CEO Raelene Castle, his salary reflects this issue. And I don't think that this is something that they would just say - Canterbury off the field are too smart to allow themselves to be hoodwinked and pay a part time player a full time salary.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Except it was Penrith's decision....
Guz Ghoul
Guest
I'm certainly not against his values and beliefs. I'm against him thinking he's the first player too have to make some sacrifices to do the right thing by his side. You could argue that spiritually he's doing the wrong thing by not playing on Sunday's because of all the people that are negatively affected by that decision. Morris will probably have a blinder at the back and finally spark the dogs attack. The lord works in mysterious ways.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
It's certainly a minor victory for mediaeval superstition. Luckily there aren't blokes roaming around with black flags and AK-47s holding the same mindset.
Nordburg
Guest
This story has almost restored my faith in the game,almost.Hopoate has stuck to his word that he won't play Sunday's,thus ignoring all those who said he'll backflip come finals time and staying true to his faith.And the NRL,lead by former head doggie Toddy,haven't manipulated the draw to suit the Dogs. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
armchair expert
Guest
I bet he isn't getting a part time wage. If I was his team mate I would be pretty peaved that his dedication and allegiance is to a fictional character and not what the other 24 squad members are striving for. If Canterbury are happy with this situation then they need to look closely at their reason for being.
S.L. Craven
Guest
Never good after leaving Manly. The man is entitled to his personal values and beliefs, while channelling Eric Liddell from Chariots of Fire, but they mean he is not a full-time footballer. I'm surprised he hasn't been encouraged to find another line of work. Maybe something Monday to Friday - assuming he doesn't decide to follow the Prophet which might rule Friday out.
At work
Roar Rookie
The NRL taking the Penrith 'home' semi to Allianz is the biggest farce I've ever heard. It's will give the Dogs the advantage as they'll have more supporters at the game. Allianz may get the same or a few extra thousand then Penriths home stadium, but that is the most ridiculous call I've heard, while not being surprising.
Guz Ghoul
Guest
Ah yes the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Just one of the many only truths. I have an only truth of my own and it's 'how many clubs would swap their fullback with Hopoate if they had the chance.' He's not a good enough player to think this is close to acceptable. Any other work force would just move him on. He mustn't be a good enough team mate either. I can't understand how someone whose 'devoted' to an ideal that's basically summed up as 'try to bring happiness to others by doing the right thing. His actions are selfish and if his teammates aren't dirty on him, they should be. What sort of team culture allows a player to be above the club.
E-Meter
Guest
Hopoate is safe. Doesn't make any errors. But he's the slowest fullback going around. Put B.Morris into fullback and watch the good times roll.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
If its written on the plates than it must be so. Fortunately my belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster has not hindered my sporting career.
steveng
Roar Rookie
This should be a lesson for other clubs not to sign a 'part timer' irrespective of how good they think he is, or was it desperation? Hoppa is great under the high ball but that is about it, he is no Tedesco, GI, Coote or Boyd. If the Dogs get smashed on Sunday (which it looks very likely) than Hoppa is just another reason why the Dogs have to have a serious look at themselves for 2017.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Hoppa has been brilliant under the high ball but pretty ordinary running the ball. Hopefully his absence can kick start some change in play or style or something.