Phil Gould lifts the lid on Bulldogs' plans after missing out on Ryan Papenhuyzen and Ben Hunt

Despite having plenty of cash to throw at NRL superstars such as Ryan Papenhuyzen and Ben Hunt, Bulldogs Supremo Phil Gould says he decided against officially offering either star player a contract as they didn't fit into what he is trying to build at the Bulldogs. Canterbury have made a steady climb up the ladder in the last couple of seasons, and after making the NRL finals in 2024 fans are finally starting to believe a premiership could be on the cards in the years to come.

However, the lack of star power in their spine is one area that they need to address if they are to make the leap to genuine title contenders. The core of Connor Tracey, Matt Burton, Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney does not inspire too much confidence. However, it was still a spine that helped break the Dogs' finals drought in 2024.

But ahead of the 2025 campaign and with around $1.6 million of space available in the salary cap, the Dogs held meetings with both Hunt and Papenhuyzen. However, despite having an abundance of cash to splash they opted against offering Hunt or Papenhuyzen a deal - with the pair's price tags reportedly putting the Bulldogs off.

Gould says the club won't be paying overs for any player, especially those who are ageing, as the focus is on building a side that will compete for a premiership in 2026 and beyond. "We've spoken to several players who were offered to us," Gould told Wide World of Sports.

"We've been linked by media to any number of other players but we've never really got around to making financial offers for any of them. We are not in any hurry - we are happy with where we are for 2025. Most of our thoughts are on 2026. We have a number of promising kids to develop through to NRL level. If we look outside the club for recruitment, it will be to complement the kids we are developing."

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Josiah Pahulu's request to be released to Bulldogs denied

In the theme of building a team for the future, the Bulldogs have set their sights on Gold Coast Titans forward Josiah Pahulu. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday that the Bulldogs had reached out to the Titans rookie of the year after it was revealed he was unhappy at not receiving a bonus payment for the 2024 season. And as a result, the exciting young talent requested an immediate release to join the Bulldogs.

The 20-year-old, signed until the end of 2025, emerged this season as a very promising young forward. But things have turned sour over a dispute over an alleged $40,000 bonus Pahulu would have received had he played 20 matches in the most recent season.

The young forward only played 19 games but reportedly felt wronged to not reach the 20 mark, having been rested for the club's final match against the Panthers. But the Titans insist they haven't done anything wrong and won't be letting him go early. "The club insists nothing untoward occurred," SMH reported.

"The incident, however, has left a sour taste in the mouth of the New Zealand-born forward, prompting him to seek expressions of interest for the 2026 season despite the Titans' desire to extend his deal."

Pahulu on Monday reportedly requested a release to join Canterbury but AAP reports he has been told the Titans will "not be bullied" into releasing him. Gold Coast provided a generic comment on the Pahulu saga when contacted.

"Our club policy is that we don't comment publicly on recruitment and retention, which applies to this case like all others," CEO Steve Mitchell said. "All contracts are confidential between employee and employer and therefore, the club can't speak to specific details outlined in the playing contract."

with AAP