Bulldogs 24/7
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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23525371-5013406,00.html
Stuart Honeysett and Brent Read, April 12, 2008
HAVING lost Willie Tonga and missed out on Israel Folau for 2009, the Bulldogs are on the verge of making St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper an offer which could be too good to refuse.
Cooper is off contract at the end of the season and is weighing up interest from the Dragons and five English Super League clubs.
The Weekend Australian understands the Bulldogs are ready to muddy those waters by offering Cooper a deal which could be worth as much as $400,000 a season.
The push for the Dragons' centre is linked to the appointment of assistant coach Kevin Moore to the top job for 2009, which is expected to be announced following tomorrow's game against the Warriors in Auckland.
Moore has solid coaching credentials, having won premierships in lower grades and as Steve Folkes's assistant in the NRL, but there is a perception his profile is not high enough to lure quality players to the club.
While the Bulldogs have also made an offer to Brisbane centre Steve Michaels, it is believed Moore is desperate to sign Cooper given the Dragons' centre is an established representative player for NSW and has also played for his country.
Working against the Bulldogs is the fact Cooper would not want to play against the Dragons and is more likely to stay put or head to England.
The Weekend Australian understands incoming St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett has been working overtime behind the scenes to ensure Cooper remains at the club.
The Dogs are flush with funds following the off-season exit of Willie Mason and the imminent departure of Tonga, who will join North Queensland next season.
Speculation also continues to surround the future of lock Reni Maitua, who is rumoured to want out of his deal to start afresh in Queensland.
The Bulldogs had hoped to strike with the signature of Folau but he decided to join Brisbane next season.
The club is also in the market for Cowboys prop Carl Webb.
Stuart Honeysett and Brent Read, April 12, 2008
HAVING lost Willie Tonga and missed out on Israel Folau for 2009, the Bulldogs are on the verge of making St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper an offer which could be too good to refuse.
Cooper is off contract at the end of the season and is weighing up interest from the Dragons and five English Super League clubs.
The Weekend Australian understands the Bulldogs are ready to muddy those waters by offering Cooper a deal which could be worth as much as $400,000 a season.
The push for the Dragons' centre is linked to the appointment of assistant coach Kevin Moore to the top job for 2009, which is expected to be announced following tomorrow's game against the Warriors in Auckland.
Moore has solid coaching credentials, having won premierships in lower grades and as Steve Folkes's assistant in the NRL, but there is a perception his profile is not high enough to lure quality players to the club.
While the Bulldogs have also made an offer to Brisbane centre Steve Michaels, it is believed Moore is desperate to sign Cooper given the Dragons' centre is an established representative player for NSW and has also played for his country.
Working against the Bulldogs is the fact Cooper would not want to play against the Dragons and is more likely to stay put or head to England.
The Weekend Australian understands incoming St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett has been working overtime behind the scenes to ensure Cooper remains at the club.
The Dogs are flush with funds following the off-season exit of Willie Mason and the imminent departure of Tonga, who will join North Queensland next season.
Speculation also continues to surround the future of lock Reni Maitua, who is rumoured to want out of his deal to start afresh in Queensland.
The Bulldogs had hoped to strike with the signature of Folau but he decided to join Brisbane next season.
The club is also in the market for Cowboys prop Carl Webb.