The Bulldogs are on the hunt for their first top-four finish in a decade, having already clinched their return to finals footy following a massive season.
With two games to play, the team currently sits in fifth on the ladder, and their next test will be a blockbuster showdown with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eeagles at Accor Stadium.
Missing Origin star Stephen Crichton, the team will be somewhat under-manned, but their chances have been bolstered in a big way with the announcement that forward Josh Curran is likely to return from injury.
According to AAP, Curran has overcome the shoulder injury that saw him sidelined last week, and will be a massive boost for the team as they look to leapfrog the Panthers into fourth spot.
Curran was initially expected to miss potentially the rest of the regular season, but he now looks set to suit up on Friday night.
According to coach Cameron Ciraldo, his team's ability to plug-and-play throughout the season has been a massive testament to their desire to win, saying that they have all been consistently willing to do whatever it takes to achieve success.
"That's what we've done well as a club, that next-man-up mentality," Ciraldo said.
"I've got no doubt the boys will come in and do that this week."
Ciraldo also noted that while it was disappointing for the team to lose their captain in Crichton for this crucial game, his one-game suspension for a high shot on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be a blessing in disguise.
"He is going to be able to work on himself in the next week and a half and get himself ready for the Cowboys game. It'll benefit him in the long run."
