Round 14 Team News: Team finalised for Roosters encounter

Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo has finalised his line-up ahead of Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' Round 14 fixture against the Sydney Roosters today at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford. 

NSW Blues representatives Josh Addo-Carr and Tevita Pangai Junior will backup after Wednesday's State of Origin opener in Adelaide. The duo and Blues' 18th man Matt Burton eased back into training with the squad after returning to Sydney on Thursday morning.

Winger Jacob Kiraz has succumbed to an elbow injury, opening the door for Blake Wilson to make his third NRL appearance for the Bulldog's this weekend.

Meanwhile, prop Sam Hughes has been withdrawn after failing to overcome a pectoral injury sustained in Canterbury-Bankstown's 20-18 victory against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 12.

While the Roosters will have the home-ground advantage, both sides are fresh off a bye in Round 13 and looking for the win to avoid falling on the ladder.

The Sydney side suffered three consecutive losses leading into the bye round, while the Bulldogs managed to dig deep and claw back a win before some well-earned time off.

With only two points separating the sides in 2023 and the Round marking the sole occasion they will meet this season, it is sure to be a fierce competition come Sunday.

Khaled Rajab will make his NRL Debut, sharing a milestone alongside Corey Waddell, who will play his 50th NRL game for the Bulldogs when he takes the field off the bench. 

Leaning on the upset 16-12 victory from last season, the Bulldogs will aim to make it two-in-a-row over their blue, white and red opposition.

Club Captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner remains ruled out due to illness but Ryan Sutton returns to the forward pack alongside Jayden Okunbor, who is named to start.