Bulldogs would have already gone in as heavy favourites against the Boars, who are coming in off a loss to CSU, but the return of a dangerous quartet will only strengthen the hosts’ chances of success.

Izaak Breen, Sam Roberson, Ollie Barclay and Josh Oxley all come back into the blue and gold fray this Saturday.

Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from a loss to Dubbo Kangaroos last round – a loss which has sent the Bathurst side back to fourth on the ladder.

Only a point separates ’Roos, Forbes Platypi (both 45) and Bulldogs (44) as the competition heads for a thrilling end to the regular season.

Bulldogs co-coach Pip McIntosh said his side know where they must lift.

“We need to improve in both ball retention and creating opportunities,” he said.

“It’s not the end of the world, but we’ve got to keep that intensity up.”

McIntosh said there’s no room for complacency against a Parkes squad sitting just two points outside a finals spot.

“You never really know what it’s going to be like against Parkes. It depends on who they have available. They’re not out of the finals race so they’ll play hard,” he said.

“From what we’ve seen of Parkes they’re quite tough in the forwards. They have a couple of creative backs but it’s their pack where their strength lies.”

Match starts 3.15pm.