BULLDOGS
Nick Cotric is already on his way over to spark the Bulldogs’ backline but Trent Barrett will still have plenty of money to splash around.
The forward pack isn’t an issue at the moment but with Adam Elliott, Joe Stimson and Aidan Tolman all a chance of leaving there could be a serious gap to fill.
Super League front rower Matty Lees has garnered plenty of interest and is keen for a move to the NRL.
He could be a solid option for the Dogs to pursue if needed.
Most of the money though needs to spent on their spine.
Their plans will depend greatly on the decision made around Kieran Foran’s future.
If he doesn’t stay on the reduced deal the Bulldogs will definitely need to go after an experienced playmaker but outside of Blake Green the options are slim there.
If Foran does remain at Belmore, the Bulldogs do have options in Lachlan Lewis, Brandon Wakeham and Jack Cogger – although the latter’s future is still up in the air.
None have been able to stamp their authority in the team though.
If Barrett is looking for someone else to come in and partner Foran, the best options on the market are Tristan Sailor, Tyrone May and Jai Field.
May is understood to be close to a deal with Penrith though so he may be hard to take over.
The Bulldogs are already developing a really well-balanced back five but if they want more spark they could look towards poaching Manly gun Albert Hopoate as a long-term option.
Alex Johnston and Storm fill-in fullback Nicho Hynes could also be worth considering.
The hooker position has also posed a problem for the Bulldogs with Jeremy Marshall-King not owning the role as expected.
The options out there are slim but both Tom Starling and Connor Watson could be worth pursuing although Watson is more of a utility than out-and-out hooker.
From foxsports.
