Phil Gould, the Canterbury Bulldogs director of rugby league, has indicated that the club still has funds available to make further signings for next year. He emphasized their cautious approach to recruitment, stating they are now in a position to decline signings if they do not meet their criteria of value, price, and character.
“We have been selective in choosing the players we bring in,” Gould mentioned in an interview with Channel 9 News. “If the deal doesn’t offer good value, isn’t at the right price, or doesn’t fit our club culture, we are prepared to turn it down. We still have some budget remaining.”
Gould acknowledged that adhering to high standards has been challenging but emphasized the rewarding nature of the Bulldogs’ current path. Under Cameron Ciraldo’s leadership in his second year as head coach, the Bulldogs have made a remarkable transformation from expected bottom-four contenders to genuine finals contenders.
“It’s always a tough journey. Doing things the right way is often the harder path,” Gould remarked.
Regarding recent signings, Gould expressed optimism about the addition of Sitili Tupouniua from the Sydney Roosters, highlighting his quality and the potential contributions he could make to the team.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are evaluating the futures of several players whose contracts expire at the end of 2024, including Liam Knight, Joseph O’Neill, Chris Patolo, Hayze Perham, Toby Sexton, Jeral Skelton, and Jackson Topine. Decision-making on these players will factor into the club’s ongoing roster strategy and financial planning.
As Canterbury continues to navigate the complexities of roster management and strategic planning, Gould’s comments underscore their deliberate approach to building a competitive and cohesive squad for the seasons ahead.