http://www.bulldogs.com.au/default....corey-payne-commits-for-a-further-two-seasons
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs continue to take shape for 2012 and beyond with tough back-rower Corey Payne inking a new two year deal with the Club this week.
Payne has been a standout in six appearances for the Bulldogs so far in 2011 after making his long-awaited NRL debut for the Club in the final round of the 2010 season.
He’s on track to play his 100th NRL game in coming weeks, having featured in 88 First Grade matches over five seasons with St. George-Illawarra and the Wests Tigers prior to joining the Bulldogs before the start of last year.
His seven matches for the Bulldogs take the Chester Hill junior to 95 career matches in total.
“I am extremely pleased to be able to continue my career at the Bulldogs for a further two seasons,” Payne says. “I am a local junior, I have supported the club my whole life. I am very proud to say I am a Bulldog."Last year was a tough season after being injured in the first trial match however I was very happy to get back on the field, make my Bulldogs NRL debut and play in the NSW Cup Grand Final winning side.
“I am very thankful to all the people who have stuck by me and shown faith. I look forward to continuing to contribute both on and off the field for the Bulldogs.
“I love being a part of the Club.”
Bulldogs head coach Kevin Moore says Payne has been an asset, both to his side this season and also to the Club as a whole.
“Corey is a local junior who is very passionate about the Bulldogs,” Moore says, “which makes him a great bloke to have around the Club.
“In addition he’s a tough, old school type footballer who can ball play as well. His determination to succeed at whatever he puts his mind to is there for all to see.
“He showed in fighting his way back from injury in 2010 what a competitor he is, and we’ve certainly seen those attributes shine through in his effort and application towards his game in 2011.”
Bulldogs Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg says Payne’s re-signing is a two-way vote of confidence for both the player and Club.
“Corey really adds value to our Club across the board and I’m looking forward to him being a part of the Bulldogs for the remainder of this year and the two years to come,” Greenberg says.
“He’s a good person and a good footballer. In short, he’s just the type of person we want around the Club long term.”