The Bulldogs’ horror run into the finals has been compounded by game-ending injuries to outside backs Marcelo Montoya and Bronson Xerri.
A 24-6 shellacking at the hands of the Sharks has ensured the Bulldogs will limp into the finals with just one win over the final month of the regular season.
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Only a mass resting from Ivan Cleary’s Panthers a fortnight ago has prevented a total wipeout for the Bulldogs, who even then hardly impressed against an inexperienced Penrith outfit.
Already without Jacob Kiraz for the foreseeable future after his last start ankle injury, the Bulldogs will have to make do without Xerri, and most probably Montoya, for their qualifying final in Melbourne next week.
Xerri caught the hip of Shark Sione Katoa within the first five minutes and was instantly ruled out with a Category 1 concussion.
To make matters worse, Montoya would limp off in the dying stages with an ankle injury.
It could have been made a lot worse for the Bulldogs, with Viliame Kikau overcoming a concussion scare of his own after an awkward collision with Toby Rudolf.
Playmaker Matt Burton – who pulled up lame with an apparent shoulder concern – and back-rower Jacob Preston filled in at centre in Xerri’s absence throughout proceedings, though it’s more likely that both Blake Wilson and Jethro Rinakama will come into the frame to face the Storm.
For a game of little consequence with week one of the finals already locked away, the Sharks would make the most of a frantic first half to race away to an 18-0 lead by half-time.
Enari Tuala’s 100-metre try-scoring effort six minutes into the second half offered the 30,000-strong home crowd a glimmer of hope, but it would all be to no avail with Blayke Brayley’s 58th minute try proving the final straw.
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