'Drastic changes': Billy Slater's bold call to 'rejuvenate' Bulldogs in must-win finals clash

A troubling run of injuries has come at an unfortunate time for the Bulldogs, but league great Billy Slater believes there is still a way for the team to keep their season alive.

Stephen Crichton and Enari Tuala are definite outs for the side's looming battle against the Panthers, but several other stars still remain under an injury cloud.

Phil Gould confirmed that Viliame Kikau has yet to go for scans for a potential facial fracture, while Toby Sexton has been sent for scans for a sternum injury.

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Both men are expected to play next week, while Bronson Xerri should return at centre.

Leading into the qualifying final, there were questions marks hanging over the roles some players would hold, specifically that of Reed Mahoney.

Ultimately, Mahoney was omitted to create room for Sexton on the bench.

But with their season now on the line, Slater called for "drastic changes" to be made.

"Drastic situations and circumstances require drastic decisions and changes," he said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"Look at the Broncos. They were gone, then they turned their season around.

"I would honestly change the whole lot [at the Bulldogs]. I think drastic changes here can rejuvenate [their season].

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"I would put Reed Mahoney in at No.9 and Bailey Hayward back in at 14, he is the utility. Bring him on as a small forward through the middle of the field when players get tired. I think that is his best position.

"Toby Sexton as the halfback and Galvin as the five-eighth. Matt Burton goes to the centres. Sexton can play nice and straight. He is a genuine halfback.

"I think it would free him up."

Galvin has copped plenty of criticism since taking over the No.7 jumper and struggled again at different periods on Friday night against the Storm.

Canterbury have not had a smooth run into the finals series, having managed just two wins in their last five games of the regular season.

One of those wins came against a 16-man rested Panthers outfit, Slater noted.

"I would change the lot, and you might just spark something," he continued.