Canterbury's premiership chances have taken a hit after prop Sam Kasiano was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Kasiano's ankle injury is worse than first thought and the New Zealand international will require surgery this week.
"We can confirm we have a tentative surgery date booked for Thursday," Bulldogs physiotherapist Steve McCullagh told the club's website.
"He's done a good job with the injury and we won't be seeing Sam again this season."
Another Bulldogs forward, Lloyd Perrett, injured his ankle in last Friday's win over Parramatta and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Forward Josh Jackson suffered a concussion against the Eels but is expected to be cleared to take on Wests Tigers.
Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle finally confirmed league's worst-kept secret - her club's signing of Cronulla hooker Michael Lichaa - during a blog with fans on Tuesday night. Other confirmed signings include Cowboy Curtis Rona, Easts Tigers flyer Jarrod McInally and Eel Jacob Loko.
Castle said the Bulldogs were negotiating extensions with Corey Thompson and Perrett.
"We are currently finalising details with Perrett - we will announce once we have him signed and sealed!" Castle wrote.
The former boss of New Zealand Netball said the club was still on the lookout for a marquee fullback but said Sea Eagle Brett Stewart wasn't on the radar.
"No - he is contracted for 2015 at Manly," she wrote.
"We are looking for a fullback that adds major playing value to our roster but also is a good cultural fit. We are working on it and we understand as well as you do how important this is. That is why we want to get it right ... Sammy [Perrett] has been great and we will only sign the right player."
Castle also ruled out Israel Folau, David Mead or Darius Boyd joining the Bulldogs next year but said Broncos utility Josh Hoffman was a player of interest if allowed to leave before his contract expired next year.
"We would look at him if he is released," Castle wrote.
Castle also flagged a review of the lower grades after disappointing recent performances.
"We agree that performance has not been acceptable and we will be completing a review at the end of the season," she wrote.
"It is our aim to generate at least 2 players each year capable of playing first grade, Last year was Lloyd Perrett and Moses Mbye."
