Canterbury Bulldogs NRL 2022: Braidon Burns, Max King, Aaron Schoupp, John Asiata, Josh Cook at Dogs

Signed and sealed: A romantic from the country and a player with strong family ties to the game will be playing at the Canterbury Bulldogs next NRL season.

Braidon Burns is moving from Souths to the Bulldogs.

Social media hit Braidon Burns will play his first NRL season in a jersey other than a South Sydney Rabbitohs one after signing with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Souths winger became a sensation on social media with his romantic proposal this season, dropping to his knee to ask girlfriend Tiannan Pennini to marry him.

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs confirmed on Tuesday they have Burns on their books on a two-year-deal.

Rabbitohs star Braidon Burns, proposes to his partner Tiannan Pennini at Coolangatta Beach. They are now having a baby. Pic: Sunny Brar

The Dubbo product made his NRL debut for Souths back in 2017 and has played there since - scoring 10 tries in his 40 appearances.

He will join backline signings of Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Dufty and Brent Naden for the 2022 and 2023 season.

“Adding depth in all positions is something that we have worked hard to achieve and to be able to sign someone of Braidon’s ability and strikepower is a major boost for our backline,’’ said Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton.

“Braidon is a hard worker who wants the chance to succeed and we are delighted that he has chosen to come to Belmore at a time when he is moving into the best stage of his career.”

Braidon Burns takes a catch in round 18.

BULLDOGS SIGN MAX KING

He was born and bred in the Hunter but Max King has never played a NRL game for a NSW club.

That will change in 2022 with the 24-year-old to run out for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

King comes to the club from Melbourne Storm where he spent 2021 sidelined with injury following complications from off-season Achilles surgery.

The Maitland product has rugby league in his blood and is a fourth generation player.

His great grand father Cec played for South Sydney from 1946-1946 and his grandfather was a seven-time premiership player with the Dragons. His father turned out for the Gold Coast Seagulls.

Max King back in 2020.

King, who made his debut for the Titans in 2017, played his junior football with the West Maitland Wallaroos.

“Having come to us from the Melbourne Storm, he will bring the sort of winning mentality that we are looking to create here at Belmore, and I know that he is excited to get a chance to remind everyone of his ability,’’ Warburton said.

“With the additions of Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan, John Asiata and Josh Cook for next season, we believe that Max can add to the leadership within our forward pack.”

NRL ‘TOUGH KID’ AARON SCHOUPP STAYS AT DOGS

A junior talent who honed his skills south of Sydney will stay put at Canterbury Bankstown for the next three years as he battles back from shoulder surgery.

Former Illawarra Sports High student Aaron Schoupp started his football with junior club Thirroul Butchers and grew up at Wollongong.

But he is now part of the family at the Bulldogs after being identified early as a rugby league talent.

Schoupp came to the Bulldogs in 2019 after playing with the Illawarra Steelers and winning an SG Ball final with the club.

He also played under 15s and under 16’s for NSW.

Adam Elliot, Aaron Schoupp and Josh Jackson of the Bulldogs thank the crowd after their round 14 win.

Schoupp recently required surgery to repair his rotator cuff and is looking at five months out for recovery.

The young centre made 13 appearances for the Bulldogs this season - and scored three tries - despite being just 20 years of age.

“He is a tough kid who doesn’t take a backward step, and we believe that he has a very high ceiling in terms of what he can achieve,’’ Warburton said.

“Our strategy on recruitment and retention has very much focused on identifying the right players to take us forward, and we believe that we have unearthed a real talent in Aaron.

“Having come into first grade this season, we have been really pleased with the way that he has stepped up to the challenge and his ability to learn.’’

JOHN ASIATA MOVES FROM BRONCOS TO BULLDOGS

He was born in Penrith, has played for Samao and Tonga and has now found a new home at the Bulldogs.

Known for his big heart and charity work, John Asiata is a major get for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The utility this week signed on with a one year deal to join the likes of Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan and Josh Cook in the forwards.

John Asiata at Brisbane Broncos training earlier this year.

Asiata moved north to Queensland for his NRL career as a teenager and found an early home at the Cowboys where he won a premiership title and played 128 games.

He comes to Canterbury from the Brisbane Broncos, the club he joined for the last NRL season.

“By signing someone of John’s experience and versatility for next season, we believe that we have found a player who will be a great addition to our club,’’ said Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton.

John Asiata spent the last season at the Brisbane Broncos.

“With forwards such as Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan and Josh Cook joining us, plus retaining a strong nucleus from our current squad, we think that John will bring a level of skill and leadership that will greatly complement that group.

“John, is also extremely active in regards to his work in the community, and that is something that was extremely important to us.’’

YOUNGSTER WITH “UNTAPPED POTENTIAL’' MOVES FROM SOUTHS TO BULLDOGS

It was no secret it was happening but the Canterbury Bulldogs have now confirmed they now have talented youngster Josh Cook on their books.

The former schoolboy star has been bought across to help solve some hooking issues at the Bulldogs.

Cook came through the junior ranks at South Sydney, starting his rugby league journey with the La Perouse Panthers.

He has long been on the radar, making an impression when playing NSW under 16s and NSW Indigenous under 16s.

Josh Cook, right, with Damien Cook and Dean Hawkins.

Cook is the latest in a long list of recent signings at the club who say they have snared a rising star in Cook.

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Tuesday confirmed they have signed the young hooker in their top 30 squad for next year for two seasons.

“We think that Josh has untapped potential and will provide another great option in the hooker position,’’ said Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton.

“Despite not having played in the NRL yet, we believe that he has the attitude and work ethic to succeed at the highest level.

“With the signings of Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan and Josh to add to our current group of forwards, we look forward to what this group can achieve next year and beyond.”

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