Matt Burton is firming to play for Canterbury in the Las Vegas season-opener, after initial scans cleared the Bulldogs playmaker of a hamstring tear.
And in more positive news for Canterbury, the club remain hopeful Leo Thompson has not suffered a calf injury after being ruled out of the All Stars clash on Sunday.
Burton limped from the field in Canterbury's 28-0 thrashing of Newcastle on Saturday, prompting fears he could miss the opening part of the season.
That would have been a blow to the Bulldogs, with rising half Mitchell Woods also sidelined and recruit Sean O'Sullivan next in line.
However, Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould confirmed on Monday the five-eighth had received good news ahead of Saturday week's Vegas clash with St George Illawarra.
"Matt Burton MRI scan today shows no tear of the hamstring … Awaiting full report, but appears good to go," Gould posted on X.
"That’s a big congratulations to Bulldogs coaches and staff, who saw Matt Burton’s reaction in a tackle and ordered him to come from the field immediately.
"Good spotting … Quick action … Looks like it will be a great result … Matt felt something … Only a trial game … Well done."
Gould also said the club were confident big-name forward recruit Thompson would be fine to play his first game for Canterbury after agreeing to sign from Newcastle more than a year ago.
"Leo Thompson arrives home from NZ this evening … He will have his scan tomorrow morning," Gould posted on Monday afternoon.
"At this stage it’s considered precautionary, but essential nonetheless."
