The Bulldogs are rumored to be making a shock mid-season switch by signing a Titans young gun, while also plotting a bid to acquire the services of Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas. The 23-year-old prop will be free to negotiate with other teams for the 2025 season starting November 1 of this year. According to The Daily Telegraph, the Bulldogs plan to offer Haas a lucrative contract.
Rugby Australia has also expressed their interest in recruiting Haas and has him at the top of their list. Meanwhile, the Broncos will reportedly table a multi-million dollar contract to make Haas their highest-paid player in club history.
However, the Bulldogs believe they may have an advantage in the form of Sonny Bill Williams, a close friend of Haas and former club great. The two players share a religious connection through Islam and have a strong bond. The Bulldogs reportedly have enough cap space for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, as they have already secured the signature of Panthers player Stephen Crichton for next year.
In addition to their pursuit of Haas, the Bulldogs are also keeping an eye on the situations of David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. While they have not acquired the services of either player, they have secured the signing of their club teammate.
The Bulldogs have also made an immediate signing, with 22-year-old halfback Toby Sexton set to join the club. Sexton reportedly drove 10 hours to Sydney to meet with club officials and pending NRL clearance, he could be available for the Bulldogs as soon as Round 19 when they face the Rabbitohs.
The Bulldogs have been facing a halves crisis, with Matt Burton filling the No.7 jersey for the past two months. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has tried multiple players, including Kyle Flanagan, Karl Oloapu, Josh Reynolds, and Khaled Rajab, but now sees Sexton as the player to fill the void.
Sexton was previously seen as the Titans’ next star halfback, and a year ago, the Gold Coast allowed Jamal Fogarty to leave the club to hand over the reins to the young talent. However, Sexton was dropped by former coach Justin Holbrook towards the end of the 2022 season and has only featured in one game for the Titans in 2023.
The Bulldogs’ mid-season switch and signing of Sexton could potentially bring much-needed changes to the struggling team. With the addition of promising players like Haas and Sexton, the Bulldogs hope to turn their fortunes around in the NRL Telstra Premiership Season.
Fans will eagerly await further developments in these potential signings and hope that they can rejuvenate the Bulldogs’ performance on the field.
