Canterbury have hit the skids right at the business end of the campaign, winning just one of their last five matches.
The Bulldogs tried to put their disappointing late form in the regular season behind them when they faced Melbourne last week in their qualifying final. However, they went down to the Storm while also picking up several injuries.
The Dogs now face the prospect of being eliminated from the premiership race, if they are unable to overcome the four-time reigning premiers, Penrith.
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Canterbury Bulldogs NRL game this week
The Bulldogs take on the Panthers at Accor Stadium on Sunday, September 21 at 4:05pm (AEST).
Bulldogs confirmed team list
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Matt Burton
5. Jethro Rinakama
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
17. Reed Mahoney
15. Sitili Tupouniua
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Josh Curran
14. Kurt Mann
16. Harry Hayes
19. Blake Wilson
Bulldogs latest team news:
It was a disastrous night for the Bulldogs in more ways than one during their qualifying final defeat to Melbourne.
Stephen Crichton limped from the field with a foot injury, while Enari Tuala joined his skipper on the sidelines during the Storm loss and has since been ruled out for the rest of the year with a broken leg.
Bronson Xerri missed the opening week of finals after copping a head knock in the last round of the regular season and will make a welcome return in the centres.
He will be joined in the centres by Matt Burton, who has been named to take Crichton's place. However, the captain has been included in the extended squad in a shock development.
Marcelo Montoya also looms in the reserves as the winger seeks to return from a foot injury.
As a result of Burton's positional switch, Toby Sexton has been brought into the halves and will partner Lachlan Galvin, while Reed Mahoney has been recalled at hooker.
Viliame Kikau suffered a facial injury during the opening exchanges of last week's match. The backrower returned to the fray and has been named to start in this one despite fears he had sustained a fractured eye socket.
Sam Hughes dropped out of the team late on for the qualifying final against the Storm and Harry Hayes has retained his place on the pine after being his replacement.
Update:
Crichton will not play for the Dogs in the semis after failing to overcome a foot injury in time. Montoya also won't be a late addition to the side after being cut from the squad.