The depth of Canterbury's injury-plagued forward pack will continue to be tested, Michael Hodgson says, with Origin prop Ben Hannant ruled out for a month with knee surgery.

Hannant adds to a growing list of Bulldogs forwards who have been forced to sit on the sidelines this season including Mickey Paea, Corey Payne and Dene Halatau.

Prop Hodgson made a surprise return from a knee injury on Friday night, boosting the Bulldogs' firepower up front.

But with the loss of Hannant, Canterbury's gain has proved shortlived.

"Our depth is certainly going to be tested," Hodgson said.

"He (Hannant) does a lot of quality work for our side but you lose key members of your team and you've got to shoulder their load.

"But as the old saying goes, no-one is irreplaceable."

Second-rower Yileen Gordon has also been ruled out with an ankle injury for their game against Parramatta on Friday night.

Stepping up to fill the holes in their forward ranks are Chris Armit and Tim Browne, who made his NRL first grade debut this season and will play off the bench against the Eels.

Hodgson said the young forward, who is returning from injury, has showed a lot of promise carrying up the football and has brought a burst of enthusiasm to the side.

Paea will also return from injury while Hickey has been promoted from the NSW Cup.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge for us without Ben but we're a good tight group of blokes who will work hard for each other," Hodgson said.

The 30-year-old is off contract with the Bulldogs at the end of the season and is looking to prove himself worthy of being re-signed by the club.

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