Bulldogs to rest key stars for round 25 match against the Raiders

VIDEO preview: With the minor premiership at their mercy, Canterbury will rest Michael Ennis from tonight's blockbuster against Canberra.

WITH the minor premiership at their mercy, Canterbury will rest skipper Michael Ennis from tonight'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 yesterday morning as shadow players.The Daily Telegraph understands 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 last 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 today.

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. T

he Raiders again spent last 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 the Roosters.