Canterbury Bulldogs axe 12 off-contract players in mass clean-out

The Bulldogs have confirmed 12 off-contract players will not return in 2022 as part of football boss Phil Gould’s mass clean-out.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Former Penrith Panthers General Manager of Football Phil Gould in the mounting yard to watch his horse Jailbreak compete in race 1 during Sydney Racing at Rosehill Gardens on May 18, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

The Bulldogs have confirmed 12 off-contract players will be leaving the club at the end of the season as part of new general manager Phil Gould’s mass clean-out.

Dylan Napa, Will Hopoate, Lachlan Lewis, Nick Meaney, Renouf Atoni, Sione Katoa, Dean Britt, Chris Smith, James Roumanos, Brad Deitz, Watson Heleta and Kiko Manu will not return to Belmore in 2022.

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Hopoate will continue his career at Super League club St Helens, while Meaney will represent the Melbourne Storm in 2022.

Napa is yet to sign with another club, but is reportedly in talks with the Brisbane Broncos.

“I‘d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Bulldogs, to thank all of the players that are departing at the end of this season, for their efforts during their time at Belmore,” Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton said in a statement.

“Every player is a part of Bulldogs‘ history and will always be welcomed back to the club.

“We now wish each of them, and their family, all the best for the future.”

However, the Bulldogs will welcome at least six new talents next year, with Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Matt Dufty, Tevita Pangai Junior, Brent Naden and Paul Vaughan all heading to Belmore.

Napa is reportedly in talks with the Brisbane Broncos. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Lewis’ future is unclear following reports the NRL’s Integrity unit was investigating allegations he attempted to sell club property on eBay.

Meanwhile, Adam Elliott’s was not included on the list despite rumours the Bulldogs were considering tearing up his contract following a toilet tryst with NRLW star Millie Boyle at a Gold Coast restaurant.

The Bulldogs will receive the dreaded wooden spoon this season having registered just two wins from 23 matches.

Canterbury will face the Wests Tigers at Moreton Daily Stadium on Sunday for their final game of the regular season, with kick-off scheduled for 4.05pm AEST.

Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs axe 12 off-contract players in mass clean-out