Week two of the finals has delivered some selection shocks with Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton sensationally named despite fears the world’s best centre would miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Crichton is one of several key inclusions for the Bulldogs who are set to take on fierce rivals the Panthers in front of more than 70,000 people at Accor Stadium on Sunday, with the winner to take on the Broncos for a spot in the grand final.

The Bulldogs were written off following their loss to the Storm where Crichton was forced off in the first half and was spotted on crutches later that night, while Toby Sexton, Viliame Kikau and Enari Tuala all had their own issues.

Tuala (fractured tibia) won’t play again this year, but there’s much better news for the rest of the injured brigade with Crichton named on an extended bench in jersey 23 as he looks to make a miraculous recovery to face his former team.

Montoya is also lurking on the extended bench after he missed the trip to Melbourne, Kikau will start in the back row against his former team, while Bronson Xerri returns at centre after clearing concussion protocols.

Sexton has been named at halfback to partner Lachlan Galvin, with Matt Burton slated to start at left centre. But that could all change if Crichton is cleared to return, with Burton likely to move to the halves.

That could see Sexton drop back to the bench where he played last week, with former skipper Reed Mahoney named to return on the interchange after he was left out of the 17 against the Storm.

There’s far less drama at Penrith where Ivan Cleary has named the same 17 that beat the Warriors, although Mitch Kenny has been named on an extended bench and will likely replace Luke Sommerton if he overcomes a hamstring strain.

The Raiders are also unchanged for their match against the Sharks, with the players having to physically and emotionally recover from their heartbreaking loss to Brisbane.

The Sharks have also named the same 17 with Billy Burns retaining his starting spot, but Tom Hazelton could be a late inclusion on the bench after he was named in the reserves.

Originally published as Captain courageous: Huge boost for the Bulldogs with skipper Stephen Crichton set to make shock recovery for Panthers clash