The Bulldogs suffered a brutal loss in week one of the NRL finals, going down to the Melbourne Storm.
To make matters worse, the team also suffered a number of injuries, including one which looked all-but-certain to rule star Stephen Crichton out of their must-win clash against Penrith.
But despite many believing Crichton could be done for the season, it appears he is trying everything in his power to make it onto the field come game day.
Will Stephen Crichton play against Penrith?
Stephen Circhton is an outside chance to play in the Bulldogs finals clash against the Panthers, with the Origin star named in the reserves for Sunday's game.
He now has until Saturday afternoon to prove his fitness, before the squad is trimmed to 19 ahead of the game, but NRL legend Brian Fletcher has raised concerns about whether attempting to push through the injury will do more harm than good.
"It's just a sprained ankle so he you can needle them," Fletcher said on SEN Tuesday.
"But there's the danger if they do happen to upset Penrith, there's an even bigger game next week.
"I know it's an elimination game so you might as well risk it, but what if he just needs a week off and can come back [in the prelim]?"
The Daily Telegraph revealed that Crichton has barely left the Bulldogs facility this week, receiving round the clock care and rehabilitation, as he is desperate to line up against his former side in this blockbuster clash.