The Canterbury Bulldogs have gone through a significant roster transformation over the last two seasons, leading to their first finals appearance in eight years. Key additions like Stephen Crichton and Josh Curran played a crucial role in their success, while many other players were moved on, as Director of Football Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo led an aggressive rebuild at the club.
Looking ahead, several core players are already signed through to 2026, positioning the team to continue their upward trajectory. With November 1 approaching, the Bulldogs are assessing their top targets for further improvements. Currently, they have only 15 players locked in for 2026, with key positions still up for grabs. They may wait to see how 2025 unfolds or look to secure new deals for off-contract players such as Kurt Mann, Jaeman Salmon, Toby Sexton, and Bronson Xerri. Even with re-signings, the Bulldogs are expected to be active in the transfer market, particularly eyeing a fullback and middle-third players.
One of their potential targets is Cronulla’s Cameron McInnes, known for his strong defense and hard-working attitude. Despite Cronulla’s interest in retaining him, McInnes could be a valuable addition to Canterbury’s plans, especially if they choose not to rely solely on current players like Sitili Tupouniua or Kurt Mann for key roles.