CANTERBURY coach Des Hasler is expected to begin the contentious and potentially perilous process of resting players tonight as he eyes the finals series, a move that could increase Canberra's hopes of joining the Bulldogs in the top eight.Captain Michael Ennis is among those rumoured to be sitting out the game against the Raiders in the capital as Hasler puts his players' health before the prospect of wrapping up the minor premiership.
Should the Bulldogs lose tonight, Melbourne could move within two points of the league leader heading into the final round of the season. While there is no difference between finishing first and second on the table in terms of its implications for the finals, the minor premierships carries with it the JJ Giltinan Shield and prize money.
The greater risk is that the changes will disrupt the Bulldogs' momentum. Bookmakers reacted to the news by shaving Canberra's odds of producing an upset, although the Bulldogs still remain prohibitive favourites to extend their winning streak to 13 games.
Canberra coach David Furner can sense some vulnerability after the Bulldogs' unimpressive victories over Brisbane and the Wests Tigers. Asked whether he had taken any lessons out of those games, Furner said: "Certainly have. There's some areas there we won't discuss, but it's just about limiting the opportunities they have with the ball."
Canberra is set to turn on a wet and miserable night for the visitors, which captain David Shillington believes can only be to the Raiders' advantage.
"They won't be able to throw the ball as much, and their forwards love to pass," he said.
Meanwhile, the ARL Commission has moved swiftly to ensure there will be no repeat of Anthony Minichiello's controversial clearance at the NRL judiciary but it won't be enough to appease Wests Tigers supporters, who are threatening to protest outside Allianz Stadium over the verdict.
Minichiello was cleared of a striking charge after his defence counsel successfully argued his action was neither reckless nor intentional, meaning he could not be found guilty of striking.
The commission yesterday advised the match review committee to err on the side of caution in subsequent cases and use a dangerous contact charge.
If Minichiello had been charged with dangerous contact for his hit on Canberra's Josh Dugan, he would not be playing against the Wests Tigers.
Source: The Australian
Topic: Des Hasler to give some Dogs a rest against Canberra
