General Manager of Football for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, Phil ‘Gus’ Gould has revealed all on his side’s major roster changes, including his plan to replenish a now-depleted forward pack.
The Bulldogs are in the midst of a mass cleanout, letting go of 14 first graders from last year, including five regular members of the forward line.
Despite making 13 signings for 2024, the Bulldogs pursued Sio Siua Taukeiaho to round out a new look front row.
The Tongan international faced many difficulties when attempting to move back to his native country, with his current club the Catalans Dragons unwilling to let him go.
Taukeiaho continued to negotiate a deal with the Bulldogs but ultimately saw the deal fall apart after a failed medical.
“He was a player that we were really keen to pursue, he had a year to go on his contract in Catalans and they were looking for some sort of replacement if he was to come back to the NRL,” Gould told SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“Any deal with us was subject to a medical, as they normally are, unfortunately late in the season… he played with an injury in the Grand Final which only made it worse by the time he got back here, he’s got a rather serious foot injury that requires surgery.
“He wouldn’t pass any medical to get an offer from us, I’d imagine he’ll go back to Catalans to complete his contract, certainly in the short term he’ll need surgery and he’s going to have quite a lengthy rehab with that.”
Gould openly admitted he is aware of the current lack of depth in the forward line and revealed his plans to replenish the squad in that area.
“I think everyone knows that and sees that, the problem is that there’s nothing really on the market to buy, we don’t want to rush out and spend the money,” Gould added.
“We’ve probably got a little bit more than people see there, we’ve got a lot of young blokes that didn’t play a lot of footy, they’d be feeling better about it if they’d seen them play, we’re hoping they’ll get more time on the pitch next year.
“We’re certainly looking, we’ve got money available, and we can make a spot available.
“We realise that it is an issue for us and we’re working towards it, but I think we’re a little bit better place than the average people (thinks).
“Internally we’re pretty confident that the players we’ve got can do a job for us, no doubt we are looking for an experienced middle forward thought.”
Gould also confirmed his interest in wantaway Warriors’ star Addin Fonua-Blake for when he returns to Australia in 2025.