Canterbury coach Des Hasler has confirmed five-eighth Josh Reynolds will start against South Sydney on Friday but fullback Brett Morris remains in the doubt for the NRL grand final rematch.

Morris was forced to pull out of the Bulldogs’ golden-point victory over the Wests Tigers last week with a calf injury.

He has been named for the ANZ Stadium match against the Rabbitohs but Hasler said Morris was being monitored to see how he recovered from training on Thursday.

“He just has to complete the session and we’ll see how he pulls up,” he said.

Reynolds returns from a broken arm, while centre Tim Lafai is also coming back for the Bulldogs after suffering a quad injury after missing the clash with the Tigers.

The game with the Rabbitohs is not only a grand final rematch, but also a showdown between two potential NSW Origin halves pairings.

Reynolds and Canterbury teammate Trent Hodkinson are the NSW incumbents however Rabbitohs pivots Adam Reynolds and Luke Keary are putting pressure on them.

Hasler played down talk of a grand final rematch and is focussed on simply beating Souths who are coming off an upset loss to Parramatta.

“For both sides it’s a round five game,” Hasler said.

“At this early stage it’s about getting as many wins up as we possibly can.

“Reflecting on that first month of footy, Souths have been outstanding.

“Certainly they’ve set the benchmark the way they started at the Nines and continued on with the World Club (Challenge) and they’re playing really good footy … It’s about playing a really competitive side.

“I think the players are more excited about that – playing against South Sydney who are often referred to as the benchmark.”