Bulldogs scouts did pick him up. He was with us for 3 years I think and the bunnies poached him off us.
He always had talent but the Dogs junior coaches at the time did not identify which was his best. He wasn't brushed. You bunny supporters are notorious for trying to rewrite the facts.
The FACTS are he was with the Dogs after being scouted by Hughes from NZ.
He played Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup in 2006 and was not offered a new deal.
Hughes still rated him and offered him a 2nd teir deal to play with Norths/Souths.
He was behind Daniel Irvine and George Ndaira and wasnt expected to play First Grade but got a shot halfway through the year and hasnt looked back.
The days of a "junior" are gone as so many come from Bush areas or NZ. Bred is a player that is signed before he has played First Grade.
Players at Souths like
Sandow, Capewell, Farrell, Luke, Vai Vai, Geddes, Corrigan, Ben Lowe, McQueen, Simpson, Tyrell
These are all players that came to Souths on 2nd tier deals and have progressed to the Full Time squad. That is bred as much as
Merritt, Sutton, Pettybourne, Talanoa, McPherson, Champion, Falloon, Clark who have played for junior clubs in the South Sydney District.
The only players at Souths I class as being bought are and the club that can claim them as bred
Asotasi - Bulldogs
Burgess - Bradford
Taylor - Broncos
Wesser - Panthers
Crocker - Roosters
Best - Sharks
Crossman - Panthers
J Lowe - Cowboys
Stuart - Sharks
Stapleton - ??