DOGS BEGIN THEIR HEFTY OVERHAUL
CANTERBURY’S roster cull is set to begin as the Belmore club puts a freeze on contract extension offers, placing the future of 16 players in limbo.
The Bulldogs have been one of the most active recruiters in the market having signed boom playmaker Matt Burton, premiership winger Josh Addo-Carr and Brent Naden for 2022.
But internally, The Daily Telegraph understands a number of players have already been informed they will not be re-signed.
Former Origin forward Dylan Napa, who has been shopped to other clubs, is set to lead Trent Barrett’s roster overhaul which included fellow off-contract players Will Hopoate, Jeremy Marshall-King, and Nick Meaney.
It’s believed the club will retain around four of the 16 players fighting to save their careers at Belmore. It’s understood the club has also decided to put a freeze on making any official extension offers while the side is struggling.
The player market has been slow to move so far, even though over 160 players have no contract to play in season 2022.
One leading player agent told The Daily Telegraph once the market picks up there will be “carnage for high profile players” on mega deals and that the lack of movement has put players in “survival mode”. Cronulla has a number of high-profile players facing a huge pay cut including Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan and Shaun Johnson, regardless of where they land in season 2022.
Johnson, who appeared to be on the outer, revealed on Monday incoming head coach Craig Fitzgibbon is “interested” in keeping the experienced five-eighth in the shire.
“Me and Fitzy have had a good chat. He’s shown some interest in me but not contract has been signed and no contract has been offered,” Johnson said.
A shift to the 15-man game was also floated after meeting with former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika but Johnson said those discussions were more about exploring every option available.
Canberra could now be an option for Johnson, and other offcontract halves like Anthony Milford and Ash Taylor, after the club’s messy break-up with English playmaker George Williams.
In a win for Fitzgibbon, the Sharks have staved off Canterbury to retain rising forward Toby Rudolf beyond this year.
In Wollongong, St George Illawarra have the surprising decision to let go of Matt Dufty, who has been one of the Dragons’ best this season. It’s understood the club has been unable to provide the fullback with an exact reason why he won’t be re-signed beyond Anthony Griffin’s desire to reshape his roster moving forward.
Griffin is also set to meet with Corey Norman this week. The coach is said to be a fan of Norman but the playmaker’s price tag is set to be part of the discussion.
The Rabbitohs are “hopeful” of retaining either Dane Gagai or Jaydn S’uA but salary cap changes are likely to see S’uA squeezed out. Parramatta’s bargain signing Bryce Cartwright has had positive talks with the club and said he would “love” to stay.
“I’m not too sure yet what’s going on, but I’d love to stay here,” he said. “I’ve got some great friends here, I think I’m going to play my best footy here and I love learning under Brad.” While it is shaping as a “buyer’s market”, allowing clubs to offer low ball deals, one player whose stocks have risen is Penrith’s Kurt Capewell. He has a one-year deal on the table but a number of suitors, including Canter- Brisbane and , , North Queensland, are keen on the in-form Maroons utility forward.
