Bulldogs go on monster signing spree as silly season erupts
There is exciting news out of Belmore as the Bulldogs rebuild goes into overdrive, confirming a slew of new signings all in one go.
The Canterbury Bulldogs’ signing spree has continued, revealing another four new signings to take their total to nine for the new seasons.
The Bulldogs confirmed some long-rumoured moves with the announcement of the signing of Roosters Jake Turpin and Drew Hutchison, Knights utility Kurt Mann and Dolphins forward Poasa Faamausili on two-year deals.
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The Bulldogs have again been the most active in the player market this season, adding these signings to the likes of Panthers premiership heroes Stephen Crichton and Jaeman Salmon, Rabbitohs utility back Blake Taaffe, Warriors back rower Josh Curran and former Sharks centre Bronson Xerri, who returns from a four-year ban after being caught using steroids.
The Bulldogs have also had plenty of players move on from the club including Paul Alamoti to the Panthers, Jake Averillo to the Dolphins, Kyle Flanagan to the Dragons, Franklin Pele to Hull in the UK Super League, Corey Waddell to Manly and Tevita Pangai Jr. to boxing.
But there will no doubt be plenty more depth in the players coming in with good NRL experience coming into Cameron Ciraldo’s side.
It will be much needed as the Bulldogs look to end a long finals drought, having not made the playoffs since 2016.
The Bulldogs had a horror end to the season, winning just one of their last six, and two games since round 12.
The side finished the year 15th on the NRL ladder and despite having seven wins for the season, had a points differential of -331, the worst in the NRL.
The club leaked 769 points to have the worst defensive record in the NRL, and the second worst attack ahead of only the wooden spoon winning Wests Tigers.
But not all was bleak for the club as it won titles in both the under-21s Jersey Flegg and under-17s Harold Matthews competitions in 2023, meaning that young blood is developing at the club.
The four new signings will join their new team for pre-season training this month.
Hutchison and Turpin both join the club having played 75 NRL each.
Hutchison is a versatile player, having played in the halves, centres and even hooker in his Roosters career.
Turpin is a good member of the spine, having played mostly at hooker, as well as a back-up halves option.
Mann is a utility forward who has played 178 games across stints at the Storm, Dragons and Knights.
Faamausili has played 43 NRL matches across stints at the Roosters, Warriors, Dragons and Dolphins and will add to the Bulldogs front-row depth.
The Bulldogs also announced an extension for forward Kurtis Morrin who has signed a two-year deal.
It continues the Bulldogs strong off-season as the club announced a new coaching structure with club legend Josh Jackson named coach of the club’s Jersey Flegg side, with Steve Turner coaching the club’s SG Ball side.
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“The professionalism and work ethic that both of these men bring to our Bulldogs pathways is outstanding and second to none,” Dogs football boss Phil Gould said.
“I love the fact that Bulldogs are coaching Bulldogs.”
The club’s Jersey Flegg coach Luke Vella has been promoted to an NRL assistant, while Mick Potter will be the club’s NSW Cup head coach.