Smith hyperextended his elbow in the loss to Junee to start the season and is not fit enough to take his place at Les Boyd Oval.

Co-coach Chris Maher expects he won't be sidelined for too long.

"He hyperextended it but seems to think he'll just miss this week as we've got Easter (bye) next week," Maher said.

"He's not a fella who would go and see and doctor or a physio so it is hard to say.

"Hopefully it is just the one game but we will have to wait and see."

Maher admitted the side lacked direction with Smith off injured and Matt Forsyth sin binned when he went into the halves during the 36-24 loss so instead his brother Dan will wear the number seven jumper to take on the Wagga side.

It means Dylan Barber-Woodhead will come onto the wing in what will be just his second first grade appearance.

It's the only change to the side.

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Maher is looking to better utliise his bench rotations this week after the Bulldogs fell flat following a good start against the Diesels.

He's also look for better ball control.

"We got away from completing our sets," Maher said.

"We started completing well in the first half but got away from that.

"If we can stick with that we shouldn't go too bad."

Meanwhile Kangaroos captain-coach Glenn Dumbrell also won't line up after injuring his ankle early in the win over Young last week.

Hudson Frazier has been named to take his place at hooker.

Former Bulldogs coach Warren Lloyd is part of the Roos' front row.

Their massive recruit Saul Houma has been named to play off the bench despite picking up a leg injury early in the win over the Cherrypickers.

There is a general bye for Easter next weekend before another home game against Southcity on March 28.

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