Gould’s Dogs’ dual coup as aggressive recruitment drive rolls on: Transfer Whispers
The Bulldogs have reportedly landed a double coup with both Kurt Mann and Drew Hutchison agreeing to join the struggling club.
Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe, Jaeman Salmon and Bronson Xerri have already signed for next season, but supremo Phil Gould’s recruitment drive is set to continue.
The SMH are reporting both Hutchison and Mann have put pen to paper on multi-year contracts, leaving the Roosters and Knights respectively.
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Hutchison, 28, is a halfback by trade but has been deployed as a centre, hooker and middle forward this season under Trent Robinson.
The experienced coach even went as far as labelling him “our new Mitchell Aubusson”, referencing the Tricolours’ legends utility value.
Meanwhile, Mann’s Knights finals dream came to a halt after a 40-10 flogging at the hands of the Warriors.
The Bulldogs are now expected to announce the dual signing coup, with both player’s teams out of the finals.
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Gould and the Bulldogs have taken an aggressive approach when it comes to recruitment, hoping to turn their fortunes around after a turbulent season.
Rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo has been in the spotlight in recent weeks following a training incident which saw a player take mental health leave.
Gould has now recruited four players — Taaffe, Salmon, Hutchison and Mann — who can fill a variety of positions in the forwards and backline.
Canterbury-Bankstown are also set to sign former Rooster Sio Siua Taukeiaho after a stint in the Super League.
