Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to rest key stars for round 25 match against Canberra Raiders 
With the minor premiership at their mercy, Canterbury-Bankstown will rest skipper Michael Ennis from Friday night's blockbuster against Canberra.
The Bulldogs have also considered a pre-finals break for prop Aiden Tolman, while winger Jono Wright could be a late withdrawal if his partner gives birth to their child before kick-off.
Utility Joel Romelo and three-quarter Bryson Goodwin joined the team bus to Canberra on Thursday morning as shadow players. It's understood coach Des Hasler is keen to freshen up Ennis before next month's finals.
The rugged hooker has been battling knee soreness all year after pre-season surgery, which hampered his preparation and limited his match time in early rounds.
Nevertheless, Ennis has managed to play all 22 competition matches.
Hasler did not return calls on Thursday night, but it's understood the coaching staff believe Ennis's battered frame will benefit from a week off.
Canterbury also have the luxury of not being able to drop lower than second, guaranteeing them a home quarter-final to proceed straight to the penultimate weekend.
Romelo deputised for Ennis off the bench until April, when the Bulldogs skipper regained enough condition to last 80 minutes.
The nuggety playmaker is expected to fill Ennis's boots tonight, capping off a positive week that has also seen him negotiate a two-year extension at Belmore.
Front-row partner Tolman is also yet to miss a game, and a final decision on whether he will face the giant Raiders pack will be made on Friday.
Goodwin's addition to the squad triggered speculation that fullback Ben Barba could also be rested.
In the past 48 hours, Canberra have firmed from $2.85 to $2.55 with TAB Sportsbet and also attracted a $33,000 wager to win with the 6.5-point start.
Despite battling week-to-week back pain, Barba is expected to feature in Canberra Stadium's most anticipated clash since the 2010 finals thriller against Wests Tigers.
The Raiders again spent Thursday night at the Rydges Eagle Hawk resort, just over the NSW border. The bizarre routine was adopted to remedy their dreadful home record this season and has produced back-to-back wins against Brisbane and Sydney Roosters.
Source: Fox Sports
Topic: #Bulldogs to Drop Ennis from Raiders Match, May Rest More Stars
