Here you go. You can sleep better now.
Former Newcastle Knight Nathan Ross returns home to play with Kurri Kurri Bulldogs
Local News
STAR RECRUIT: Nathan Ross has signed to play with the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in 2021.
Former Newcastle Knight and Kurri Kurri favourite Nathan Ross is set to return to the Bulldogs for the 2021 season.
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Ross confirmed his intentions on Instagram after playing with the Wyong Roos at the Woy Woy 9s competition.
"Bring on the 2021 season with the mighty
@kurrikurribulldogs," Ross posted
Ross played 60 games for the Knights after being told by Wayne Bennett that he would never play in the NRL.
Kurri Kurri coach Mitch Cullen said Ross was a huge addition to the squad in terms of his playing ability and his knowledge and enthusiasm.
The two were teammates in the 2013 Bulldogs losing grand final team and Cullen said he held Ross to his promise that he would play with Kurri if he returned to the local competition.
"He is a pretty out there sort of guy and everyone loved him at Kurri," Cullen said.
"He brings a lot of energy to a team.
"It adds another dynamic to our backline and he is a good ball player too.
"Just the experience he had down at the Knights will add a lot of value to our back five."
Cullen is hopeful that 2020 signing Geordie Connelly will be back in 2021 despite signalling his intention to play with West Maitland in the Newcastle and Hunter Community Rugby League competition.
"I'm talking to Geordie, it's not a done deal yet but I'm hoping he will agree," Cullen said.
Nathan Ross with his children after he played at the Woy Woy Nines with Wyong.
With Ross at fullback, former Knight and Super League player Tyler Randall at halfback, Connelly in the No.6 jersey and Ben Wyborn back after a year's break, the Bulldogs look well served in the key playmaking roles.
"Tyler Randall will be handy for us, he brings a lot of professionalism which will only benefit our blokes," Cullen said.
"He can play No.7, 6, 9 or 13 but we will have a look at him straight up in the halves."
Whoever starts in the backline can look forward to a strong platform to work off with the Bulldogs assembling a forward pack Cullen believes has tones of the 2013 pack, which included NRL experienced tyros Daniel Abraham and Jesse Royal.
Former Sydney Rooster and Canberra Raider Frank-Paul Nuuausala has signed for 2021 and Peter Cronin returns from a year with the Maitland Pickers to play alongside his younger brother Jesse, a former Australian Schoolboy representative and Parramatta Eels junior.
Jarred Anderson is back in Bulldogs colours after being given a clearance to play with Maitland in the Presidents Cup. Pickers backrower Tyler Carter is also making the move to Kurri.
Cullen said it was an exciting prospect for Bulldogs fans to see the Cronin brothers in action together, but how regularly it occurs will depend on whether Jesse picks up a NSW Cup contract with the Knights.
"Jesse is training with the Knights this summer so whether or not we see him full time, but obviously his priority is to play at the best level he can and we would always encourage him to do that."
In addition to the new signings, Reid Alchin, Ben Wyborn, Jordie Mitchell , Mick Steele and Brock Gilmour have all re-signed.
"There will be real challenges picking the forward pack this year. It will be on form, there will be no players getting spots on reputation. It's a good headache to have."
The Bulldogs start pre-season training on December 1.
