The race for Kieran Foran’s signature looks to have been won by Canterbury.
News Corp reports the Warriors playmaker will join Wests Tigers captain Aaron Woods at the Bulldogs in 2018 with deals set to be officially announced next week.
Canterbury were also reportedly close to snaring Tigers fullback James Tedesco before being trumped by the Sydney Roosters.
Foran had made no secret of his desire to return to Sydney next year to be closer to his young children.
The Bulldogs were early favourites to sign Foran thanks to Canterbury coach Des Hasler’s bond with the five-eighth resulting from their time at Manly.
Newcastle spoke with Foran last weekend and Melbourne reportedly had initial interest.
Foran is said to have made a decision after touring Canterbury’s facilities on Monday following the Warriors’ weekend loss in Canberra.
“It’s not surprising. There were whispers for quite some time (about Foran heading to Bulldogs),” former Kangaroos forward Nathan Hindmarsh said of the News Corp report.
“Unfortunately for the Tigers they didn’t get anyone except (re-signed halfback) Luke Brooks.
“But the Bulldogs have cleaned up. They will be great next year.”
Former NSW halfback Brett Finch said if Hasler had signed Foran and Woods it would have marked a huge turnaround for the once-besieged Bulldogs mentor.
Earlier this month Hasler re-signed for two more seasons after enduring weeks of speculation about his future.
“I remember just a couple of weeks ago there were rumours of Dessie not staying at the club,” Finch said.
“They have certainly turned it around. The Bulldogs may have had a lean trot but they never have it for too long.
“They turn it around quickly and they will with those big names.”
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Every time either Dessie or Graham getting the axe has been brought up to the other, its been shot down immediately. Nobody has even shown any actual evidence of the Bulldogs looking for Woods either (which is what could force a forward out) -- half the news corp reports are based on him meeting with some Bulldogs players; players he lives in the same region as and is known to be mates with and the other half are based on the Tigers pulling their offers from the table.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Foran has the organising skills you want in a 7, and Mbye seems poised for a move to hooker.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Who doesn't buy a premiership?
jamesb
Guest
I thought the salary cap was about spreading the talent across 16 clubs. Last year's wooden spooners, Newcastle, missed out on Bird, Woods, Tedasco and Foran. They couldn't sign at least one of them. Something is not right.
Chui
Guest
I don't think he was enamoured with them during his time at Manly.
The eye
Guest
So is 2017 now considered a write off..how is this going to affect the minds and confidence of those in line to be moved on..and there'll need to be a considerable number..Foran could well be another T Rex...and hes cost them James Graham..
kk
Roar Pro
Agree on all points MM, "How to buy a Premiership" is now in pre- production at Belmore Studios subject to casting being finalised. What role MM will play is still in negotiation.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
I'm wondering if part of Hasler's two year extension was in any way based on his ability to bring Foran into the Bulldogs fold? Foran is the type of player who can take a team of decent first graders up a notch to genuine 'contenders.' The way he plays is pure inspiration. He's a natural leader and if the Dogs don't finish top two next year, I'll be surprised. As for signing Woods, this one I'm not sure about.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
Does anyone else think Des is a little too enamoured with big men and 5/8's? Mbye, Jeynolds, Foran. Is he going to shop Mbye around?
Jock Cornet
Guest
Salary cap? What salary cap?