Ross, who lined up 60 times for the Knights, faces potential surgery on a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month and won't feature for the Bulldogs again this Newcastle Rugby League season.

Ross linked with his former club, where he played a grand final in 2013, having medically retired from the professional ranks two years ago.

However, he missed the opening six rounds following back-to-back calf tears at training.

The 32-year-old played twice for Kurri during May before serving a one-match suspension for a dangerous throw.

It was the appearance against the Pickers at Maitland on June 5 which ultimately brought him unstuck, taken from the field after only five minutes.

"He [Ross] tried hard to get back, but he's no good," Cullen said.

"He possibly needs surgery so that'll do. The calf injury in pre-season didn't help and now this. He was pretty shattered."

Ross drops off the Bulldogs' roster but Cullen, Jarred Anderson, Tyler Randell, Henry Penn and Frank-Paul Nu'uausala finally reunite collectively for the first time since round three.

Kurri host The Entrance on Saturday with Cullen, who shifts to five-eighth, and Anderson back from separate suspensions.

The Bulldogs are equal eighth on the competition ladder but only two points shy of opponents the Tigers, who sit in a three-way share of fifth spot.

"We've had a tough middle part of the year but with other results we can still make a run for it. Hopefully we restart our season this weekend," Cullen said.

Elsewhere and Lakes start life without coach Robbie Payne with the Seagulls at home to Wyong on Sunday.

Joint leaders Maitland are minus fullback Daniel Langbridge (touch footy) when they visit third-placed Cessnock on Saturday.

Central and Wests both have question marks over their respective playmakers Luke Walsh (back) and Ryan Walker (shoulder). The Butcher Boys welcoming Souths on Sunday and the Rosellas away to Macquarie on the same afternoon.

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