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The Bulldogs’ 2022 signing spree is set to continue with Brisbane’s John Asiata on the verge of becoming Canterbury’s latest recruit.
Having already snared the likes of Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton in the club’s biggest-ever spending splurge, the Bulldogs are now close to adding the Broncos’ ball-playing big man to what should be a finals-contending roster.
News Corp can reveal the Bulldogs have gone as far as requesting a medical and could come to terms with Asiata as soon as next week.
Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
Arguably the most versatile forward in the game, having played NRL games as a prop and halfback, Asiata’s move from North Queensland to Brisbane this season was crushed by injury.
The 28-year-old was forced to undergo neck surgery earlier this year following a sickening head clash with South Sydney forward Mark Nicholls.
John Asiata is close to securing a deal with the Bulldogs next season. Picture: Liam Kidston
Out for the remainder of the season and uncontracted beyond this year, there were fears that the injury could end his 139-game career.
But Asiata will join a new-look forward pack that will include Tevita Pangai Jr and Paul Vaughan, should the Bulldogs be satisfied that the former Cowboy’s neck has fully healed.
Sources close to Asiata said the forward’s neck surgery was a success and that the Tongan international would be fully fit to play next year.
A recruitment drive initially spearheaded by coach Trent Barrett, Phil Gould has added his weight and expertise to rounding the 2022 roster.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions on our recruitment and retention, it’s a moving wheel,” Canterbury chairman John Khoury said earlier this month.
“I don’t think there’s many clubs that approach the number of players we’ve got off-contract, so that’s one of the biggest priorities right away for Gus and our football department.
“It goes without saying, he’s a game-changer in that scenario.
“It’s one of his biggest attractions in bringing him in. The relationships he’s got right across the NRL, from junior pathways, managers, other clubs and the NRL too, he’s such an asset.
“There’s a lot to be done and Gus will hit the ground running. It’s time to make some things, some positive things, happen for us.”
Having already snared the likes of Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton in the club’s biggest-ever spending splurge, the Bulldogs are now close to adding the Broncos’ ball-playing big man to what should be a finals-contending roster.
News Corp can reveal the Bulldogs have gone as far as requesting a medical and could come to terms with Asiata as soon as next week.
Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
Arguably the most versatile forward in the game, having played NRL games as a prop and halfback, Asiata’s move from North Queensland to Brisbane this season was crushed by injury.
The 28-year-old was forced to undergo neck surgery earlier this year following a sickening head clash with South Sydney forward Mark Nicholls.
John Asiata is close to securing a deal with the Bulldogs next season. Picture: Liam Kidston
Out for the remainder of the season and uncontracted beyond this year, there were fears that the injury could end his 139-game career.
But Asiata will join a new-look forward pack that will include Tevita Pangai Jr and Paul Vaughan, should the Bulldogs be satisfied that the former Cowboy’s neck has fully healed.
Sources close to Asiata said the forward’s neck surgery was a success and that the Tongan international would be fully fit to play next year.
A recruitment drive initially spearheaded by coach Trent Barrett, Phil Gould has added his weight and expertise to rounding the 2022 roster.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions on our recruitment and retention, it’s a moving wheel,” Canterbury chairman John Khoury said earlier this month.
“I don’t think there’s many clubs that approach the number of players we’ve got off-contract, so that’s one of the biggest priorities right away for Gus and our football department.
“It goes without saying, he’s a game-changer in that scenario.
“It’s one of his biggest attractions in bringing him in. The relationships he’s got right across the NRL, from junior pathways, managers, other clubs and the NRL too, he’s such an asset.
“There’s a lot to be done and Gus will hit the ground running. It’s time to make some things, some positive things, happen for us.”