The fact Staines re-signed gives credence to this thinking. Other clubs were definitely keen and so was his manager for the bigger $$$ yet he didn't go.
Exactly. Here's an interesting article, and Matt Burton is mentioned.
Incoming Bulldogs coach eyeing off Cronulla trio
Canterbury have identified several players to lure to Belmore.
BY
ED CARMINE
-
STAFF WRITER
OCTOBER 7, 2020
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Matthew Moylan of the Sharks runs the ball during the NRL Semi Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on September 14, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Look out, Cronulla. Incoming Canterbury coach
Trent Barrett could be set to raid your talent.
After identifying the need for a new half, middle forward and an outside back, Barrett and the Bulldogs are likely to have
Matt Moylan,
Aaron Woods and
Josh Dugan in their sights.
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With the trio not only meeting the struggling club’s needs, they will also collectively become free agents as of November 1st.
With the ball still in their court, Cronulla will have to assess their salary cap position before recommitting to the star triad.
As many clubs across the league have yet to recommit to a plethora of their players, the Bulldogs are currently eyeing the market before pouncing on any prospective prey.
A report from Matt Logue of
The Australian has suggested that Canterbury are also keen to secure the services of Penrith Panther
Matt Burton.
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However, this signing seems unlikely, as Burton is not only on contract until the end of next season, but the Dogs will need to wait until November before approaching the playmaker, as per the league’s free agency laws.
Should Burton remain with the minor premiers, Canterbury may be be forced to explore secondary options such as
Drew Hutchison,
Jaeman Salmon and
Tyrone Roberts.
Having already parted ways with
Kieran Foran and club stalwart
Aiden Tolman, the Bulldogs are desperate to add some bite back to their roster.
Despite securing the services of
Nick Cotric and
Corey Waddell, the search continues for a front row partner for Englishman
Luke Thompson. The names of Brisbane’s
Matt Lodge and Jack Bird have been bandied.
In what is certain to be the busiest off-season at Belmore in recent memory, expect Barrett to also enquire about the multitude of veterans such as
Dale Copley,
Gerard Beale and
Jordan Kahu who are all currently out of contract.
