Bulldogs have the mumps; Raiders
have the bumps

Canterbury could be in the midst of a mumps outbreak, with injured utility Reni Maitua and football manager Brad Clyde infected with the virus. This comes after the news that Test stars Sonny Bill Williams and Willie Tonga have been for blood tests to discover whether they might have it as well.

There's never a good time to have a virus sweep the club, but at least the Doggies do have the bye this weekend, but the club is hopeful the pair will be fit for the Grand Final re-match against the Roosters at Telstra Stadium in round 6.

Meanwhile, the Raiders are counting the cost of their big win over the Dragons at the weekend, with Alan Rothery to wear patches over both eyes for the entire week after injuring his left eye in the game. He temporarily lost his vision after receiving the blow, and he will be sidelined for four to six weeks.

There is also concern over centre Craig Frawley and front rower Ryan O'Hara for Sunday's game against the Roosters.