Bulldogs beat NRL rivals to win race for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Canterbury weren’t sure they could pull the deal off — but Kiwi skipper Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s surprise decision to has given the Bulldogs a genuine injection of class into their roster.

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The Bulldogs worked behind the scenes quietly. Even as late as Sunday they were considered rank outsiders in the race to secure Kiwi skipper Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Originally it was Parramatta but interest from both parties dipped. The Tigers were desperate to reunite Watene-Zelezniak with his Kiwi coach Michael Maguire but their failure to move on a senior player meant the move was impossible.

The Cowboys also considered making a play but a constant in the background were the Bulldogs who initiated their interest in the 23-year-old about two weeks ago.

They cleared up a roster spot when back-rower Zac Saddler was quietly released to join Manly last week.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has joined the Bulldogs after quitting the Panthers. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Bulldogs officials thought they were a fighting chance but as late as Sunday afternoon they felt Watene-Zelezniak was headed elsewhere having heard nothing.

But by late Saturday evening they were confident they would land one of the club’s biggest signings in recent years when Watene-Zelezniak’s team told them the Bulldogs were his first choice.

The deal was finally finalised just before The Daily Telegraph broke news of Watene-Zelezniak’s arrival Sunday morning.

“It’s nice to be reassured the direction we’re heading and the work we’re doing that Bulldogs fan and talented players can see it,” said Bulldogs boss Andrew Hill. “When the club gets everything right. We will be a powerhouse again.

“We know where we are heading. We know it takes a bit of time. There are positive signs for us. This is just another one to reassure everyone our plan is starting to come together.”

International captains don’t come on the market all the time. Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Watene-Zelezniak won’t play but he will make his first public appearance as a Bulldog at ANZ Stadium today when Canterbury play the Dragons.

He had been at Penrith on Friday to say farewell to his teammates before being officially released from the club he played 106 top grade games for.

The deal at Canterbury is just for 18 months and fits well for a salary cap conscious club.

“We were both interested in that third year,” Hill said. “In the end we couldn’t quite get there. We were happy to say we will look at it but let’s get him here and play footy.

“He brings a talented attacking player to our team and wonderful leadership skills. He has come from a good system at Penrith which are used to success at early age groups. He has been known for a lot of work in the community.”

The signing won’t necessary mean the end for impressive young fullback Nick Meaney. Meaney will line-up in the No. 1 jersey on Monday and is expected to keep his spot when the Bulldogs play the Roosters on Sunday with Watene-Zelezniak at centre.

“The coach (Dean Pay) and Dallin have had lots of conversations about where he’ll play,” Hill said. “Dallin has wonderful ability to play a number of positions. Fullback and centre are his preferred spots.”

The Bulldogs will look to now add a hooker and prop to their 2020 roster having already signed Melbourne Storm back-rower Joe Stimson. The duo add to the addition of Dylan Napa in the off-season.

“We still have a structured plan on the players we need to try and bring to the club,” Hill said. “Whilst we won’t have the biggest space under the salary cap for next year we certainly will still be in the market for another player or two.”