Outside back Jacob Kiraz has signed a long-term contract extension that will keep him at Canterbury until the end of 2027.
Cut by Newcastle at the end of the 2021 season, Kiraz was handed a lifeline by Canterbury, where he played the first of 34 games to date in round seven last year.
The 21-year-old garnered league-wide attention under the Bulldogs’ interim coach Mick Potter, whose attack-focused style of football allowed Kiraz to flourish on the wing.
Also capable of playing centre, Kiraz began 2023 in particularly strong form, becoming a surprise leader of the Dally M Medal leaderboard through three rounds.
Kiraz’s form waned later in the season but his potential has provided grounds for positivity during two tough years for the Bulldogs.
The Lebanon international was already contracted for next season but would have been free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 for 2025.
His long-term retention looms as crucial for the Bulldogs, who have lost fellow outside backs Jake Averillo, Jayden Okunbor and Paul Alamoti this off-season.
It is also a show of faith from a club that is likely to experience significant roster turnover in the coming years as it rebuilds.
“Jacob has been one of the shining lights of the past couple of years and thoroughly deserves his new contract,” Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould said.
“His best is clearly in front of him.”
Josh Addo-Carr, Bronson Xerri and Jeral Skelton are among the other outside backs contracted at the Bulldogs, who finished 15th this season and will be looking to rebound in 2024.
There has been speculation concerning Addo-Carr’s future at the club and the veteran winger fronted the club management last week after he was banned two Tests and dropped from the Kangaroos by the NRL for his part in an ugly brawl at the Koori Knockout earlier this month.
© AAP
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