‘I started loving my footy again under Ciro’: Bulldogs re-sign Josh Curran in huge boost

Canterbury’s forward pack punched above its weight in 2024, with one of their top performers rewarded with a contract extension.

Josh Curran has extended his stay at the Bulldogs until the end of the 2026 season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Bulldogs have re-signed one of their most important players, with hardworking forward Josh Curran locked in until the end of the 2026 season on the back of his best year in the NRL.

The Indigenous All Stars representative joined Canterbury following five seasons with the Warriors at a time when plenty of people questioned whether the Bulldogs had the forward pack to match it with the top teams.

But those doubts were quashed fairly quickly, with Curran dominating in the middle and on the edge as he finished 2024 with career highs in metres per game, tackle busts and offloads.

It’s why the club was so keen to re-sign him just weeks after their season came to a heartbreaking end after they were knocked out by Manly in the elimination final.

What you've all been waiting for 🔒 pic.twitter.com/wAiwTu0g7I

— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) October 2, 2024

“We are pleased Josh has extended his time with the Bulldogs,” Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould said.

“He has clearly played some of his best football this year and become an integral part of the team as both a major contributor on and off the field.”

Curran has quickly become one of the most popular players at the club, with coach Cameron Ciraldo able to rely on him for big minutes off the bench or in the starting side if he wants some speed through the middle.

“I started loving my footy again under Ciro (Ciraldo),” Curran said.

“He was a big part of why I played well this year. He had trust and belief in me and that’s all I ever asked from him.

“I didn’t realise how big and passionate the Bulldogs’ fan base is when I joined the club. We say it all the time – you’re not just playing for the club, you’re also playing for the community.”

The Knights have extended Mat Croker’s contract a day after they lost Daniel Saifiti to the Dolphins. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

In other signing news, the Knights have retained Mat Croker for the 2025 season a day after veteran prop Daniel Saifiti signed a three-year deal to join the Dolphins who have also added Max Feagai to their roster.

Croker has progressed through the pathways in Newcastle and has been a reliable forward off the bench since he made his NRL debut in 2021.

“We are pleased Mat has extended his stay with the Knights,” Knights director of football Peter Parr said.

“He has played some of his best football this year.

“Mat is an integral part of the team and a major contributor both on and off the field.

“We are delighted that someone of his quality is remaining at the club.”