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Well, it seems like Trent Barrett’s spending spree will continue with the Bulldogs set for another boost in their outside backs stocks.
According to Channel 7’s Michelle Bishop, South Sydney fullback Corey Allan is expected to sign a three-year deal that will see him move to Belmore effective immediately.
It sees him shift from a back-up to Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston at the Rabbitohs to the first choice under Barrett.
But what would it mean for how the Bulldogs line up this season and what is the flow-on effect on a number of outside backs at the club who come off-contract in the near future?
For the short-term, it would see Allan at fullback and Will Hopoate moving to the centres alongside Nick Cotric.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak would likely then play on the wing along with Nick Meaney.
Christian Crichton and Jayden Okunbor are other alternatives on the flank but both are sidelined with significant injuries.
The arrival of Josh Addo-Carr in 2022 complicates matters as there is the potential he too could play at fullback, which would require Allan to move to the wing where he is more than capable but not as effective.
Barrett said in December his current plan was to use Addo-Carr on the wing but he was willing to reconsider depending on what his best fit was to bring the best out of the Storm flyer.
Allan developed his ball-playing skills later in the season playing at the back in place of Mitchell, finishing with seven try assists and nine linebreak assists.
It also means that young gun Jake Averillo, who has said he sees himself as a fullback or five-eighth long-term, will have this upcoming season to prove he deserves either spot given Matt Burton will arrive at the club in 2022.
Regardless, if Allan is seen as best placed to give Barrett’s side an extra dimension out the back in attack and Addo-Carr plays on the wing - what does it mean for a host of Bulldogs soon to be off-contract?
Crichton, Hopoate, Meaney and Okunbor are all without a contract at the end of 2021 and the Bulldogs will have to give serious thought to who they can afford holding onto.
Crichton’s leg injury, which is reported to have ruled him out for the season, would be a big blow in robbing him of an opportunity to prove himself in a contract year.
Similar for Okunbor as he looks to break back into the side mid-year when returning from his injury.
Hopoate has obvious experience value and leadership to offer and was one of the club’s most consistent performers last season.
Meaney, on the other hand, has versatility on his side and is also a goal-kicking option.
According to Channel 7’s Michelle Bishop, South Sydney fullback Corey Allan is expected to sign a three-year deal that will see him move to Belmore effective immediately.
It sees him shift from a back-up to Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston at the Rabbitohs to the first choice under Barrett.
But what would it mean for how the Bulldogs line up this season and what is the flow-on effect on a number of outside backs at the club who come off-contract in the near future?
For the short-term, it would see Allan at fullback and Will Hopoate moving to the centres alongside Nick Cotric.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak would likely then play on the wing along with Nick Meaney.
Christian Crichton and Jayden Okunbor are other alternatives on the flank but both are sidelined with significant injuries.
The arrival of Josh Addo-Carr in 2022 complicates matters as there is the potential he too could play at fullback, which would require Allan to move to the wing where he is more than capable but not as effective.
Barrett said in December his current plan was to use Addo-Carr on the wing but he was willing to reconsider depending on what his best fit was to bring the best out of the Storm flyer.
Allan developed his ball-playing skills later in the season playing at the back in place of Mitchell, finishing with seven try assists and nine linebreak assists.
It also means that young gun Jake Averillo, who has said he sees himself as a fullback or five-eighth long-term, will have this upcoming season to prove he deserves either spot given Matt Burton will arrive at the club in 2022.
Regardless, if Allan is seen as best placed to give Barrett’s side an extra dimension out the back in attack and Addo-Carr plays on the wing - what does it mean for a host of Bulldogs soon to be off-contract?
Crichton, Hopoate, Meaney and Okunbor are all without a contract at the end of 2021 and the Bulldogs will have to give serious thought to who they can afford holding onto.
Crichton’s leg injury, which is reported to have ruled him out for the season, would be a big blow in robbing him of an opportunity to prove himself in a contract year.
Similar for Okunbor as he looks to break back into the side mid-year when returning from his injury.
Hopoate has obvious experience value and leadership to offer and was one of the club’s most consistent performers last season.
Meaney, on the other hand, has versatility on his side and is also a goal-kicking option.
